Out & About Winter 2019

Bird’s eye view

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is home to birds, donkeys and ferrets, and is also heavily involved in conservation, rehabilitation and education programmes worldwide. GERALDINE GARDNER visited the centre in Weyhill, near Andover to find out more

I t’s not everyday that you sit having a chat while a burrowing owl perches on your hand – or even your head – but this is one of the experiences on offer when you visit the Hawk Conservancy at Weyhill, near Andover. Set in 22 acres of Hampshire countryside, the bird conservation centre has grown considerably since the trust’s founder Reg Smith first opened its doors to the public in 1980. Today the conservancy is home to more than 130 birds, as well as an array of donkeys, ferrets and meerkats. There is also a hospital on site where injured birds and animals can be looked after before being sent back into the wild.

We started our visit getting up close and personal with the aforementioned burrowing owls. They are small, long-legged birds, who are not afraid to – literally – walk all over you and provide an extra special experience for small groups.

cricket – at any opportunity. The family of four that we were introduced to were particularly curious about photographer Phil Cannings as he tried to get pictures. The Meet the Burrowers experience is an additional treat to the general admission, but a most worthwhile experience.

Head of living collection Gary Benton was on hand to answer any questions and demonstrate the owls’ ability to grab a tasty morsel – in this case a

The Burrowing Owls happily perch on Gary Benton, left, and photographer Phil Cannings

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