Hawk Conservancy – Hampshire

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is an award-winning visitor attraction and a registered conservation charity dedicated to the protection, rehabilitation, and research of birds of prey.

Location
The Trust is located in Weyhill, near Andover, Hampshire, just off the A303.
Accessibility: It is approximately four miles west of Andover and 20 minutes from Stonehenge.
Travel Tip: If using a Sat Nav, ignore directions to leave the A303 before reaching Sarson Lane.

What You Can Do There
Visitors can explore 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadows, home to over 130 birds of prey.
World-Class Flying Displays: Experience three distinct daily demonstrations featuring owls, eagles, vultures, and falcons. Highlights include the Masters of the Sky display and the immersive Woodland Wonders.
Interactive Activities: Children can enjoy tractor rides (weekends/holidays), a bird-themed playground, and the Top Trumps activity trail.
Unique Encounters: Visit the “Meet the Burrowers” immersive aviary to see Burrowing Owls up close or book a VIP encounter.
Hospital Peek: View the National Bird of Prey Hospital™, which treats up to 200 birds annually.
Dining & Shopping: Eat at Feathers Restaurant (accessible without entry to the park) or visit the gift shop.

Who Should Go and When
Who: It is a full-day out suitable for all ages, particularly families with children, bird enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers. The site is fully accessible for wheelchair users and buggies.
When: The Trust is open daily.
Seasonal Variation: Displays change with the seasons; spring and autumn feature “Owls by Moonlight” evening events, while summer offers “Sunset at the Trust”.
Duration: Most visitors recommend staying for a full day (several hours minimum) to see all three different flying displays.

What Makes It Unique
Conservation Impact: Unlike standard zoos, your visit directly funds global conservation and research projects, such as the Poison Response Action for vultures in Africa.
Immersive Arenas: The Trust uses specialized arenas like the Silver Birch Glade for intimate owl flights and Reg’s Wildflower Meadow for large-scale displays.
Closeness: Birds frequently fly just inches above visitors’ heads during displays, providing a uniquely personal experience.

Benefits of Visiting
Educational Value: Learn about the vital role scavengers like vultures play in the ecosystem as nature’s “clean-up crew”.
Supporting a Cause: A significant portion of the admission fee supports the rehabilitation of sick and injured raptors.
Membership Perks: Frequent visitors can opt for Annual Memberships which provide unlimited visits and special member-only events.
Value for Money: Standard tickets now include a varied programme of extra year-round daytime events like artisan markets.