Even more Reasons to take Flight to the Hawk Conservancy Trust

Written by Neil Fowler, Hawk Conservancy Trust

The Hawk Conservancy Trust, near Andover has always offered a full and fun day out as visitors encounter fascinating birds of prey while exploring the 22-acre site and enjoy three spectacular daily flying displays. Now, with the launch of its new year-round programme of events all included in the standard ticket price, visitors’ spirits are set to fly higher than ever.

A trip to the Trust is a rare chance to see so many awe-inspiring birds filling the skies – sometimes swooping just inches overhead and accompanied by dramatic effects, music and the Bird Team’s inspiring and fascinating commentary.

New Events Programme at Hawk Conservancy Trust

For many, the joy of seeing owls, vultures and eagles up close; conquering exciting trails with grandchildren; relaxing while little ones let off steam in the bird of prey themed playground; and simply feeling immersed in nature have given more than enough reasons to return time again.  However, the Trust is mindful of how the cost of living continues to affect everyone’s choices for affordable days out so it has introduced a host of special daytime events that don’t just give maximum enjoyment but maximum value too. There is no extra cost whether you book a standard entrance ticket or have Membership.

In addition, everyone who makes a visit is helping support the Trust’s vital research and conservation work for birds of prey here in the UK and overseas.

So, if you want to make wise owl choices about great value days out AND be an all-round good egg for wildlife conservation, you could make sure these special event dates are on your calendar:

2026 Daytime Events

Wings & Woodlands Artisan Market
SUN 22 MAR, SUN 17 MAY, SUN 20 SEP, 10AM-5:30PM
The Trust transforms into a vibrant marketplace where you can peruse talented creators from across Hampshire while seeing our birds take flight.

Golden Eagle Egg Hunt
SAT 28 MAR TO SUN 12 APR, 10AM-5:30PM
A giant Golden Eagle has lost her precious eggs! Complete a range of challenges to find the elusive golden eggs and win a tasty prize.

Angola’s Birthday Bash
SAT 23 TO SUN 31 MAY, 10AM-5:30PM
A week-long birthday party for our iconic Secretary Bird, Angola! With fun activities and competitions, don’t miss out on the snake-stomping fun.

Big Wild Weekend
SAT 8 & SUN 9 AUG, 10AM-5:30PM
We’re going wild! Join this festival of British nature, where there’ll be extra activities with special guests added to the timetable, alongside our birds in flight.

Art Weekend
SAT 22 TO SUN 23 AUG, 10AM-5:30PM
A celebration of wildlife art in this exhibition of natural talent. Special guests include our Artist in Residence, Alex McGarry, working live to create bird-themed art.

International Vulture Awareness Day
SAT 5 SEP, 10AM-5:30PM
Celebrate the wonderful world of vultures with a whole day of activities and flying displays dedicated to these wonderful birds and the threats they face.

Spooky Owl Week
SAT 24 OCT TO SUN 1 NOV, 10AM-5:30PM
Over October half term, enjoy our exclusive Spooky Owl flying display! Plus, solve riddles on a mysterious trail to claim a treat – no tricks!

Artist in Residence Exhibition
THURS 3 DEC, 6:30PM
A free evening of drinks and canapes to celebrate our official Artist in Residence Alex McGarry, with an exhibition and chance to win a painting.

The Big Christmas Present Hunt!
SAT 12 TO SUN 13 DEC & SAT 19 DEC TO SUN 3 JAN, 10AM-4:30PM
Can you solve the mystery of Santa’s missing gifts? Find hidden clues around the Trust and help get Christmas back on track!

Fantastic Food Choices at Hawk Conservancy Trust

Just by the entrance to the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s peaceful countryside setting is Feathers Restaurant - serving everything from coffee to kick-start your day of discovery to freshly prepared snacks and full meals for refuelling between action-packed flying displays.

There is plenty of choice for everyone in your group but if you want a special reason to indulge your foodie cravings, check out the monthly themes below.  It’s also worth knowing that you can visit Feathers without entry to the full attraction:

March – Pies
Steak & kidney, Chicken curry, Lamb & mint

April – Noodles
Dressed rice noodles served with stir-fried vegetables, with Teriyaki chicken or sweet chilli chicken 

May – Curry
Beef Madras, Chicken Tikka, Lamb Balti 

June - Mexican
Chicken Enchiladas, Beef Tacos

July - Salads
Caesar salad, Niçoise, Prawn cocktail

August - Ploughman’s 

September – Seafood
Bouillabaisse, Paella, Fish pie

October – Sandwiches
Club sandwich, Deli Sandwich, Croq monsieur 

November – Soup
Minestrone, Chicken noodle, French onion, Soup of the day – all served with homemade breads.  

December - Stews
Beef and red wine, Lamb Navarin, Chicken Chasseur

Find out More

For more information on the events and to see the daily timetable of talks, displays and activities visit www.hawk-conservancy.org. You can also find details of paid-for events that can be booked for extra special experiences throughout the year.