Opening Times

From February 2010 the Hawk Conservancy Trust is open all year round.
Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a conservation charity and award winning visitor centre that, amongst other things, offer:
Live exibits of over 150 birds of prey from all over the world.
22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow.
Three daily flying demonstrations.
Every child has the opportunity to hold a British bird of prey (such as a Barn Owl).
Complete the nature trail and Raptor Passport.
Pre-booked groups also recieve - Falconers meet & greet, owl pellet dissection, and 'native raptor identity parade'.

What are the Curriculum Topics or Benefit to the students from a visit?

Key Stage 1, 2 & 3 in science and geography.

What are the activities?

Three daily flying demonstrations.
Wild red kite and heron feed.
Vulture Restaurant and keepers talk.
Nature trails.
Raptor passport.
Worksheets.
Owl pellet dissection (to discover what owls eat).
Radio Tracking using telemetry.
Test the strength of an egg (in our egg crushing machine)!
Duck Racing & Ferret Racing
Hold a British bird of prey.
Tractor rides.

What is the age range of the activities?

3 -15 for school activities
further and higher education also catered for.

Sample programme of the activities:

10.00am - park opens
11.00am - Red Kite & Heron feed
11.30am - Vulture restaurant & keepers talk
11.45am - World of Birds of Prey - flying demonstration & duck race (opportunity to hold a British bird of prey).
2.00pm - Valley of the Eagles - flying demonstration
3.30pm - Woodland Owls & Hawks - flying demonstration (opportunity to hold a British bird of prey).
4.30pm - Red Kite & Heron feed (summer time only).

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

All materials provided for scheduled visits.

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

Only pre-booked visits attract a 10% discount (0-40) or 15% discount (41+).
One teacher per 10 children goes free.

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

Our Risk Assessment is available as a download on our website, alternatively we welcome inspections.

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

Yes.

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

There is a picnic area for groups bringing their own snacks, alternatively there is a coffee shop on site offering light refreshments, and an ice-cream kiosk in the summer time.
The Trust also has a shop on site with gifts and mementos to suit all budgets.

Is specific clothing required?

As an outdoor attraction we recommend that groups dress according to the weather.

Do you have first aid on site?

Yes.

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

Photos cannot be used for commercial purposes without prior consent.

Additional information.

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a registered charity (1092349).