At The Hawk Conservancy Trust we have recently added a new facility to our ever-expanding list, namely a Corporate Activity Day.  We have already hosted a few of these tailor-made days, and they are proving to be a fun, action packed success.  I would like to tell you about one recent Corporate afternoon which I was involved with.

Our guests enjoyed a buffet lunch on the terrace, after which they watched the Valley of the Eagles display.  We then divided them into three groups and the rest of the afternoon was spent with the groups undertaking various different activities.  Two members of staff were assigned to host each group.  One of the activities was to fly our Harris Hawks, with each guest having a chance to handle and fly a bird.  We also demonstrated tracking, showing how we use telemetry and then the guests were given the task of finding our pink flamingo (not a real one you understand!) which was hidden somewhere in the park with a radio aerial attached to it.  We also demonstrated lure swinging and they were given an opportunity to try their hand at this skill – they soon discovered that it is quite easy to tie yourself or your neighbour up in a lure. 

Tolkien, our Milky Eagle Owl, is a favourite of most visitors and our corporate guests are no exception.  The thrill of flying him between them through the trees at the top of the park was definitely a highlight for many.  They also flew one of our Barn Owls; perhaps not so exciting as a huge Milky Eagle Owl, but nonetheless a favourite bird for a large number of people. 

We took our guests on a tour of the hospital and talked to them about some of the important rehabilitation and conservation work we undertake.  They also had a fun competition between the groups identifying British raptors, and the winning group won a prize.

The final activity at the end of the day, after all the other visitors had left the park, was a private flying display featuring Lark the Peregrine Falcon, at his breathtaking best despite having only recently rejoined the flying team after a long rest.  Then the day ended with a barbeque and the chance to browse and buy from our gift shop. 

For details of prices for our Corporate Days and to make a booking, contact the Trust office.

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