Our objectives
The Hawk and Owl Trust supports wild birds of prey, owls, and the habitats they depend on across the UK. Our beneficiaries include threatened and vulnerable raptor species, the wider wildlife that shares their ecosystems, and the people and communities who benefit from access to nature, environmental education and opportunities to take practical conservation action.
We help by protecting, managing and restoring important habitats, including our nature reserves at Sculthorpe Moor in Norfolk and Shapwick Moor in Somerset. These sites provide safe spaces for birds of prey and other wildlife to feed, breed and thrive. Through practical conservation work, habitat management and the provision of nest boxes and nesting platforms, we support species that are affected by loss of habitat, changing land use, disturbance and declining availability of suitable nest sites.
We also carry out monitoring, research and species-focused projects to improve understanding of birds of prey and the pressures they face. This evidence helps guide practical conservation solutions and contributes to the long-term protection of these species. Our work includes public engagement projects such as live cameras, which allow people to connect with peregrines, barn owls and other birds of prey, often in places where they may not otherwise have the chance to experience them.
People are also central to our work. We support schools, families, volunteers, local communities and visitors by providing opportunities to learn about birds of prey, wildlife and the natural environment. Through education, guided visits, events, outreach and volunteering, we help people develop knowledge, confidence and a sense of connection with nature. This is especially important for young people and those who may have limited access to wild spaces.
Our help matters because birds of prey are vital indicators of the health of the wider environment. When raptors and owls are doing well, it often reflects healthier habitats, richer biodiversity and better-balanced ecosystems. However, these species still face significant challenges, including habitat loss, climate change, persecution, pollution and reduced food availability.
By conserving birds of prey and their habitats, we protect more than individual species: we help safeguard the landscapes, wildlife and natural heritage that future generations should be able to enjoy. Our work inspires people to value and protect nature, turning interest into understanding and understanding into action. This combination of practical conservation, research, education and community involvement is what makes our work lasting and essential.
Our activities
The Hawk and Owl Trust’s core activities focus on conserving wild birds of prey, owls and the habitats they depend on, while inspiring people to understand and protect the natural world.
We manage and restore important wildlife habitats, including our nature reserves at Sculthorpe Moor in Norfolk and Shapwick Moor in Somerset. Through practical conservation work, we create and maintain suitable conditions for birds of prey, owls and a wide range of other wildlife. This includes managing wetlands, woodland, grassland and reedbed habitats, improving biodiversity and supporting species that rely on healthy ecosystems.
We deliver species conservation projects for raptors and owls, including the provision and monitoring of nest boxes, nesting platforms and safe breeding sites. Our work helps species such as barn owls, kestrels and peregrines by addressing pressures such as habitat loss, shortage of nesting sites and disturbance. We also monitor populations and gather evidence to inform effective conservation action.
Education and public engagement are central to our work. We provide opportunities for schools, families, volunteers, visitors and local communities to learn about birds of prey and their role in the environment. Through events, guided walks, talks, interpretation and online resources, we help people build knowledge, confidence and a stronger connection with nature.
We also run volunteering and community involvement programmes, enabling people to take practical action for wildlife. Volunteers support habitat management, visitor engagement, monitoring, education and administration. Their contribution is essential to our conservation impact and helps people develop skills, wellbeing and a sense of purpose through meaningful involvement in nature conservation.
In addition, we use research, monitoring and public-facing projects such as nest cameras to increase understanding of birds of prey and the challenges they face. These activities raise awareness, encourage responsible behaviour and help more people value and protect these remarkable species.
Together, these activities allow the Hawk and Owl Trust to combine hands-on conservation, education, research and community participation. Our work protects birds of prey and owls today, improves habitats for the future and inspires people to play an active role in caring for the natural environment.
