Hawk Conservancy Trust in Hampshire reopens to the public

The Hawk Conservancy Trust in Hampshire has reopened to the public after being closed for more than three months because of the pandemic.

The attraction in Andover closed in March due to government social distancing guidelines.

The conservation charity says "safety is at the forefront" of the re-opening.

Safety measures include:

  • Restricted visitor numbers - pre-booking is essential

  • Screens have been installed at the shop

  • Enhanced cleaning is taking place

  • Some areas will be closed to enable social distancing to take place

  • Hand-sanitising stations have been installed around the park

  • One-way systems around the grounds

Social distancing markers have been put in place to ensure visitors can keep their distance while watching the three daily flying displays.

Pre-booking is essential as visitor numbers are limited. Credit: Hawk Conservancy Trust

Dr Matt Stevens, who is the UK Conservation Biologist at the Trust, says the lockdown has had a "significant" impact on their conservation work.

He added: "The lockdown fell right in the middle of the raptor breeding season... but thankfully the timing of the easing of restrictions meant we have managed to catch up with virtually all of our Kestrels, Little Owls and Barn Owls."

Matt said they "count themselves lucky to have been able to continue for now".