Hawk Conservancy Trust
The Hawk Conservancy Trust, situated in the rolling landscape of Weyhill, Hampshire, stands as a premier centre for the conservation, rehabilitation, and public appreciation of birds of prey. Spanning twenty-two acres of diverse woodland and wildflower meadows, the Trust functions as both an award-winning visitor attraction and a vital research charity.
Its primary mission is to protect birds of prey and their habitats through a rigorous combination of education and active conservation science. For the casual visitor, the Trust offers a uniquely immersive experience, most notably through its world-class flying demonstrations. These displays are carefully choreographed to showcase the natural hunting and flight behaviors of over 130 birds, including majestic eagles, silent-flight owls, and soaring vultures, providing an educational narrative that underscores the ecological importance of these apex predators.
Beyond its role as a public park, the Hawk Conservancy Trust operates at the forefront of global raptor preservation. The site houses a state-of-the-art National Bird of Prey Hospital, which provides expert medical care to hundreds of sick and injured British raptors annually, with the ultimate goal of returning them to the wild. On an international scale, the Trust is a key player in the International Vulture Programme, working extensively in Africa and South Asia to combat the rapid decline of critically endangered scavenger species. By integrating these high-level conservation efforts with accessible public engagement, the Trust ensures that every visitor’s experience directly funds the survival of raptors worldwide. Whether through its specialized breeding programs or its expansive wildflower meadows designed to support local biodiversity, the Trust remains a sanctuary dedicated to the enduring majesty of the skies.
Address
Hawk Conservancy Trust, Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire SP11 8DY
Directions from the Army Flying Museum
To travel from the Army Flying Museum to the Hawk Conservancy Trust, you will embark on a short journey of approximately 7.7 miles, beginning by heading north on the A343 (Salisbury Road) for about 4.5 miles through the Hampshire countryside toward Andover. As you approach the outskirts of Andover, you will join the A303 westbound via the slip road, following this major dual carriageway for roughly 2 miles before taking the exit toward Weyhill and the Hawk Conservancy; the final leg involves following local signage along Sarson Lane for approximately 1.2 miles to reach your destination. While the route is generally straightforward, drivers should be aware of potential delays at the A343/A303 interchange, which can become congested during peak commuting hours, and along the single-carriageway sections of Sarson Lane where visibility and passing space are more limited.
Useful Links
Hawk Conservancy Trust (Opens in new window) Provides a comprehensive range of information for visitors, serving as both a practical guide for a day out and a detailed resource on avian conservation.
For Visitors Planning a Trip
Practical Logistics: Details such as opening times, ticket prices, a daily activity timetable, park maps, and accessibility information.
On-Site Amenities: About Feathers Restaurant, group visit options, school trip bookings, and the gift shop.
Activities & Events: Details on daily flying displays.
For Education and Engagement
Bird of Prey Insights: Educational content on bird adaptations, owl pellet dissection, and an "Ask the Expert" section.
Interactive Media
Experiences & Courses: Information on hands-on falconry courses, experience days, and corporate or children's birthday party packages.
For Conservation and Support
Research Projects: Comprehensive information on their work, including UK-based initiatives.
National Bird of Prey Hospital™: Updates and information on the rehabilitation of sick and injured birds.
Ways to Help: How to support the Trust through bird adoptions, memberships, donations, volunteering, or the "Poison Response Action" campaign.
Facebook: Hawk Conservancy Trust (Opens in new window) Real-time updates and interactive media, including live bird-of-prey footage, news from their National Bird of Prey Hospital, and prompt schedule changes for flying displays. It serves as a community hub for behind-the-scenes content and direct interaction with the conservation team, while also advertising upcoming seasonal events like "Owls by Moonlight."
X: Hawk Conservancy Trust (Opens in new window) A high-frequency stream of real-time updates, featuring captivating photography and short video clips of birds in flight alongside immediate alerts regarding weather-impacted display schedules. It serves as a concise platform for following the latest conservation milestones from their National Bird of Prey Hospital™ and tracking the progress of their international research projects through bite-sized news and interactive threads.
Instagram: Hawk Conservancy Trust An aesthetically driven, behind-the-scenes look at the charity’s work through high-definition photography and reels. It emphasizes the personality of individual birds and the beauty of their flight, while "Stories" offer daily updates on hospital patients and sneak peeks into the training sessions of the specialist bird team.
Previous Stop: Museum of Army Flying Showcases over 35 historic aircraft, including gliders and helicopters, right next to an active working airfield. This fully accessible, family-friendly site features interactive displays, a local fossil collection, and a café where visitors can watch live flights.
Next Stop: White Horse Inn, Thruxton A historic, thatched-roof pub offering a cozy atmosphere with traditional beams and locally sourced home-cooked meals. Located near the Thruxton Circuit, it provides a welcoming spot for cask ales, a relaxed outdoor seating area, and a classic Hampshire village experience.
