The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a full day out for all the family with daily world-class flying displays. There is always something happening and this is our list of the Top 10 things to enjoy this summer at the Hawk Conservancy Trust
- The school summer holidays mark the return of the popular Sarson Falconer demonstration. This display gives visitors the chance to join in a re-enactment of medieval village life (all costumes provided – limited spaces, sign up on arrival). Each day, the Trust has three displays and the Sarson Falconer takes place during the 2pm Valley of the Eagles demonstration.
- For 2017, there is a new Young Explorer’s Trail for all intrepid adventurers looking for a challenge with the aim of earning a special treat.
- Immerse children in nature – let them discover an underwater world in daily pond dipping sessions, or perhaps they’ll enjoy the thrill of a tractor ride around the Trust’s stunning chalk downland wildflower meadow.
- Cheyenne (Bald Eagle) has returned to take part in the grand finale of their Valley of the Eagles display. Her trademark victory call and incredible soaring flight really make her stand out as a visitor favourite.
- The meadow is thriving and bursting with an array of flora and fauna in the summer. Between Monday 7 and Sunday 13 August the Trust will be running a Big Bug Bonanza for visitors to find out more about some of the species living there (exact date dependent on weather and will be announced on social media and website closer to the time).
- For 2017, the Trust has also launched a brand new keeper’s talk, ‘An audience with … Madeleine’ (Secretary Bird).
- It’s not every day that you can have a hawk fly to your fist – at 3pm each visitors (aged 16 and over) have the opportunity to fly a Harris’ Hawk.
- There are new members on the Trust team this year, including two Long-eared Owl chicks (Tonks and Teddy), two White-headed Vulture chicks (Severus and Ravenclaw) and a Blue-winged Kookaburra (Diego).
- During the Trust’s afternoon Woodland Owls display, members of the audience are invited to take part in the display as ‘human trees’. Whilst it may not sound like the most glamorous role, it does offer the chance to see, up close, how beautiful and agile Great Grey Owls are as it swoops silently between volunteers.
- Last and by no means least is the Trust’s famous, frenzied ferret race! Taking place toward the end of the day and offering children to let rip as they cheer for their chosen ferret.
Bring the family to the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a day in the country; to have fun, to learn, to be inspired and to be amazed.
