The Hawk Conservancy Trust soars with support from the Rural England Prosperity Fund
The Hawk Conservancy Trust has been awarded a £15,460 grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) by Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to improve facilities for visitors attending their renowned flying demonstrations and evening events. The grant, covering 50% of project costs, has funded new bollard lighting throughout the Trust’s grounds and modern PA systems in two of the main flying demonstration arenas to ensure a safer, more immersive experience for visitors while maintaining the Trust’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
The new LED lighting bollards blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, with wooden posts designed to light pathways rather than the sky which in turn reduces light pollution and ensures a bird-friendly environment. The system is wired into seven separate circuits, allowing staff to adjust lighting based on specific event needs, ensuring both functionality and energy efficiency.
The new PA systems installed in the Savannah and Meadow arenas ensure crystal-clear audio across the venue, with a four-channel surround system that enriches the demonstration experience. The system also covers areas used by wheelchair users and neurodiverse visitors, ensuring everyone can enjoy the awe-inspiring displays at their comfort level.
Anna ward Councillor Maureen Flood said: "The Hawk Conservancy Trust plays a vital role in educating visitors and protecting birds of prey. These improvements, supported through the Rural England Prosperity Fund, demonstrate our commitment to supporting organisations that enrich our community. The new lighting system replaces a less efficient battery lighting system and prioritises sustainability while enhancing accessibility, and the upgraded PA systems will provide a more engaging experience for all visitors."
The Chief Executive Officer of The Hawk Conservancy Trust, Penny Smout said: "This funding has allowed us to significantly improve our facilities for evening events, addressing past concerns about lighting while also protecting the planet. The enhanced PA systems will also create a more immersive experience, ensuring all visitors, including those with accessibility needs, can fully enjoy our demonstrations."
In addition to the REPF grant, the Trust has also received £3,750 from a UK Shared Prosperity Fund Net Zero grant, contributing to an ambitious £34,000 solar project aimed at reducing the organisation’s carbon footprint. Solar panels installed on the visitor centre’s roof will help cut energy costs, particularly for the Trust’s catering facilities, which are the highest energy consumer on-site. The Hawk Conservancy Trust continues to expand its conservation and education initiatives, ensuring the protection of birds of prey while enhancing accessibility and sustainability for visitors.
The UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund that provides capital funding for rural business and rural communities. TVBC received just over half a million pounds which has been distributed between businesses and community organisations across the rural areas of our borough to help develop our rural economy. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
