Hawk Conservancy Trust

The zoo collection that eventually was to become The Hawk Conservancy was founded by Reg and Hilary Smith in 1966. The zoo developed a varied collection of animals and birds - birds of prey were part of it virtually from the start. At the end of the 1970s, it was decided to specialise purely in birds of prey at which point The Hawk Conservancy had come into being.

Since those early days, The Hawk Conservancy has grown to become one of the major collections in the world. It has maintained a special and unique feel, aided by the tree planting about which Reg was so enthusiastic. There is also a seven acre wild flower meadow planted in memory of Reg who sadly died in early 1995. In 2002 the Hawk Conservancy became a charitable trust providing valuble funding for its various programmes in research, rehabilitation and conservation for raptors around the world.

The Hawk Conservancy is well known for the flying displays which take place each day at at designated times during the open season. Display times 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm and each feature a different team of birds. Many people ask why the birds don't just fly away. There are a number reasons for this. Firstly, the birds are trained. Secondly, from a birds point of view, The Conservancy is a good place to live - free food, shelter and protection. Lastly, birds of prey (like most predators) are quite lazy. The opportunity to only have to work for a short time and relax for the rest of the day is too good to miss.

The grounds at The Hawk Conservancy have been set out with the comfort of two "species" in mind - birds and people. Wherever possible, the aviaries are designed to provide maximum comfort for the residents while for the visitors there are many places to sit and relax.