While staying at The Watercress Lodges & Campsite in Ropley next to the Watercress Line we also visited the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Both the boys enjoy an animal experience so were delighted to find out that they would also get a chance to meet burrowing owls and hold them as part of a VIP experience.
We had a fantastic full day out at the conservation charity, arriving when it opened and staying all day. To get the most out of your visit I could suggest doing the same since there are various bird shows throughout the day. The sessions run from one to another which is great for kids as it keeps them engaged throughout the day. The park is set in acres of woodland which makes it a very pleasant day out in the heat as there is plenty of shade.
The Hawk Conservancy – What will you see?
When you arrive you are given a park guide which includes a rundown of what is happening in the day The Hawk Conservancy Trust’s full timetable is also displayed as you walk in past the restaurant. We found this really useful to keep us on track as there were three different shows running throughout the day as well as other daily activities. The boys were also given a top trumps card, top tumps trail and a separate tree trail.
Vulture Talk
The day kicked off with a comedic talk about two pairs of African white-backed vulture, their baby and their breeding programme. I would recommend making this if you can since the keeper also tells you about the rest of the day and how the shows work. From the beginning it is very clear how much knowledge the keepers have.
I definitely had a preconceived idea about what vultures looked like and was quite surprised by how pretty they were. The Hawk Conservancy is very active in protecting all of the different types of vultures. As well as the conservation of birds of prey in general with so many of the populations being under threat. One of the key projects is their International Vulture Programme. You will hear more about this throughout the day. And why the conservation work is important.
Wings of Africa Flying Display
The first show was all about birds from Africa and is located in a large sit-down area called the Savannah Arena. There is plenty of seating, some undercover. The Wings of Africa show started at 11.30 and lasted for about half an hour. Having been to several different birds of prey shows I was expecting something similar. However, this was totally different and easily the most spectacular flying displays we have seen.
The show was amazing as the birds were flown and walked around the whole paddock so you could see them, they were also flown over onto the podiums around the arena. For me, one of the highlights was the Secretary Bird from South Africa which was fascinating to watch as it darted around the arena floor. Even more so when the keeper demonstrated how it kills snakes for food.
Nest Building Activity
The schedule of events naturally breaks for lunch although you can take part in a talk about nests and nest boxes. We learnt all about the different types of boxes that are made. Before the children are set a challenge to build a nest and protect an egg. The boys enjoyed this although it was a bit of a free for all.
Masters of the Sky Flying Display
Afterwards, we had something to eat before heading to the awe-inspiring flying display Masters of the Sky. This takes place in wildflower meadows which you can also walk through when the show is not on. Again there is plenty of seating. But if it is sunny I would recommend sitting under the Beech trees as it can get quite hot and there is no shade otherwise.
These birds were flown across the field and from two towers that are diagonal to each other. At the start of the show, there was a Lanner falcon. The keepers then used a swing lure to bait the falcon, causing her to swoop in. At the end she caught the lure and was given her prize. This time we saw a number of different vultures.
As the show was performed there was a commentator who gave you plenty of information about the birds and their habitats. In the end, all the birds came out at once. There was so much going on it was quite an experience.
Woodland Owls Flying Display
The last show took place in a woodland glade. Although all the shows were special I think I enjoyed the owls the most. I think this is because you could get so close to the birds. There were posts located all around the area where the trainers would encourage the birds to stop for food. Amongst the different species on show there was our native a tawny owl, verreaux’s eagle-owls and my favourite a pair of barn owl s.
They flew very low meaning that several times we needed to duck to get out of the way. Again plenty of information was given, not just about the different types of owls. But also their individual personalities.
VIP Burrowing Owl Experience
At the end of the day you can also book to take part in a Burrowing Owl experience. This does cost an extra £19.50 per person. If you want to get up close and personal to the owls and for them to sit on your hands then this is a brilliant owl experience. The birds themselves are only small so not intimidating to younger members of the family making it a great children’s owl experiences.
It is only a small group so there is lots of opportunity to speak to the keepers and hold the little owl. They come to you and are really gentle. So much so that you do not need to wear gloves. We were told all about the different characters and then listened to information about the species. The VIP encounter was really interesting and lasted about half an hour. Meeting the curious burrowing owls was such a great experience and the perfect end to the day.
If you want to enjoy an owl experience then you can book in advance. Or check at the entrance when you arrive. When we visited they were only running one session a day.
What else can you do at the Hawk Conservancy?
The highlight really are the bird shows. But there’s also a lot of other things to do on a visit to the Hawk Conservancy. Making it the perfect day out for the whole family.
Themed Playground
The play area was a big hit with Harry especially. Carrying on the bird theme the wooden play equipment links back to some of the park’s residence. Located right to the nest-building activity it is a good option for younger children who are not that interested in learning about nests.
Top Trumps Trail
When you arrive each child is given a top trump card. This is to play top trumps as you walk around the park. You are also given a little card to make sure you tick them all off. Of course, if you are looking for a souvenir to take home with you then you can buy the set in the trust shop onsite.
Tree Trail
To keep the kids engaged there is also a brand new tree trail which focuses on the native species to the UK. With a little sheet to tick off, letters to find and information boards on each of the trees. In the afternoon the answers are revealed by the staff.
Bird Enclosures
Many of the birds that you see in the shows are also available to view in their enclosures. Although the park is not large when you take into account all the other things that are going on it’s plenty to make sure there is something to do in between the shows.
Tractor Rides
These were not running when we visited but they also offer tractor rides around the wildflower meadow. All are included in the ticket prices.
Where is there to eat at the Hawk Conservancy Trust?
Of course you can bring your own picnic. However we visited we ate in the Feathers Restaurant. Which has some seating outside under umbrellas as well bi-folds across the whole front of the restaurant. There is a wide choice of food which is reasonably priced we had jacket potatoes and the boys had baguette pizzas. All profits from the restaurant go into the trust and their projects.
How much does it cost to go to the Hawk Conservancy Trust?
You can buy tickets in advance for the award-winning visitor attraction from the Hawk Conservancy Trust website. They cost £18.50 for an adult, £14.25 for a child with those under four being free. You can also get details on the daily timetables and some of the other family experiences and experience days that they offer. There is ample free parking and disabled parking on site.
We had a really fabulous day out at the Hawk Conservancy and would definitely recommend a visit. It makes an excellent day out during the school holidays. How much we loved it really took me by surprise and I suspect we will be back again in the not to distant future.
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