The Accipiter - Helping Hands July 2005

Helping Hands - July 2005

Cedric Robert arrived in England in February. Not only has he learned English (including much of the jargon and in-house jokes on the park!), but he has also acquired skills and knowledge he obviously would have been hard-pushed to attain in his own country. He has become a valuable member of the Hawk Conservancy Trust team. As you will read, he is extremely complimentary about us and England (unprompted, we promise), and his own style is so endearing that it would be almost impossible to correct without losing much of the essence of his charming character. So the following words are totally unedited...

My name is Cedric Robert, I’m 25 and I’m French.

Cedric pictured with Brahminy Kite Woodfrey

Before to come at Hawk Conservancy Trust I worked in the oyster farm in my country in Brittany. In the same time, I found an association “Jeunes a Travers Le Monde” which allowed to send the young people to the foreign countries.

Thanks to it, I can now spend 5 months in England and work among the raptors.

Normally, in France, I work in the pet shop because I like the animals and also to give advice at the customers. It was very interesting but it was not enough for me because when you work in the pet shop it’s just for the trade. And for me, I prefer to work among the animals for their protection.

Indeed, I think it’s very important to educate and sensitise people about the wildlife and flora.

Moreover, I prefer to work in an animal park because it’s more appropriate to my personality.

Otherwise, I wished to realise my project in Great Britain because I believe it’s important to speak English and enriching to know the foreign lifestyle. Then, England is a beautiful country and also I think it’s easier to realise my project here.

Cedric with Woodfrey

Indeed, in this country, people give your chance even if you are a beginner. They accept you! It’s different in France. According to me, it’s more enriching to live an experience like this one in England than in France.

It’s the first time I can live, learn and work with raptors.

I began my work experience on the February 21st and since this day the birds of prey is became a passion.

At Hawk Conservancy, I do differents jobs like cleaning the aviaries, gardening in the park, feeding the birds, to help the Falconers during the displays, I work every day with a Brahminy Kite...

Thanks to the staff I can see, feel and practise the falconer job and it’s very fascinating and exciting.

I will finish my work experience on July 14th and when I will come back in France, I would like to work in the same park like the Hawk Conservancy Trust or why not to live the same experience in a foreign country.

In the future, I hope to find the same sensation and also to meet people like them who work at Hawk Conservancy Trust because I’m very happy here!

“So, Thank you very much for this time spent with you”.

Since Cedric wrote his story we have asked him to stay with us until the season finishes at the end of October. We are delighted to say he has accepted!

Click here for previous Helping Hands articles