HawkTalk Issue 94 Summer 2023

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HAWKTALK SUMMER 2023 ISSUE 94

NEW FOR SUMMER 2023!

Holly

Horse Chestnut conkers and leaves

As you already know, here at the Trust we are all about conserving birds of prey and their habitats: trees are a vital part of the habitats for many birds of prey, and also the food they eat. Our 22 acre grounds are home to over 80 species of tree, the most abundant species on site include Elder, Silver Birch, Hornbeam, Hazel, Beech, Ash and Hawthorn. As well as native species, we also have 45 non-native tree species that create a home and increase habitat opportunities for our beautiful wildlife. Most of the trees on site were planted by the founders of the Hawk Conservancy Trust, and we are planning on planting more native species in the coming years!

On your next visit, be sure to collect your handout and join us on this inspiring new addition to our timetable to find out why trees are so important and what we can do to help conserve wildlife. Fun for the whole family, follow the trail around our grounds to see and learn about 11 tree species, as well as the conservation and research we undertake at the Trust to conserve birds of prey and their habitats. Bringing children along? Get the kids involved with deciphering the secret message we’ve hidden along the way! Join us on this fascinating Tree Trail to discover all about trees, which species call them home, and how we can help trees that benefit our beautiful native wildlife.

An Atlas of Endangered Species by Megan McCubbin

get your copy here

This May, we were delighted to welcome friend of the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Zoologist and Wildlife TV Presenter Megan McCubbin to the Trust to celebrate the launch of her brand new book – An Atlas of Endangered Species .

Megan was joined by friends and family for an exciting day. After some close encounters with our Yellow-billed Kites during Wings of Africa, Megan hosted a live interview with our Head of Conservation, Research and Education, Dr Campbell Murn. They discussed Campbell’s long-term work to understand and conserve White-headed Vultures, which was one of the species Megan wrote about in her book! They also had a fascinating chat about conservation, writing and dyslexia – even carrying on through a flash downpour! Megan then met Arthur, one of our White-headed Vultures, working alongside our Deputy Head of Living Collection, Tom Morath. Arthur even got a close look at the chapter all about his species, and he gave the beautiful illustrations a good look over! We hope everyone will read An Atlas of Endangered Species – an important review of the challenges many species face – and are so grateful to Megan for shining a light on White-headed Vultures and Campbell’s work on them! You can pick up a signed copy from the Trust shop on your next visit, or via our web shop.