Hawk and Owl Trust

Who we are

The Hawk and Owl Trust is a UK conservation charity dedicated to protecting wild birds of prey—especially owls and hawks—and their habitats. Founded in 1969, the Trust works through habitat creation, species monitoring, education, and community engagement.

It manages key nature reserves such as Sculthorpe Moor (Norfolk) and Shapwick Moor (Somerset), which support diverse wildlife and provide public access through hides and boardwalks. The Trust also runs nestbox schemes, offering guidance to landowners and encouraging public involvement through its Adopt-a-Box programme.

Our culture and values

The Hawk and Owl Trust is guided by strong conservation values and a collaborative, community-focused culture. Its mission is to protect wild birds of prey and their habitats through science-based action, education, and public engagement.

The Trust values evidence-led conservation, using long-term monitoring and ecological research to guide habitat management and species recovery efforts. Respect for nature is central, with a commitment to ethical wildlife practices and promoting harmony between people and raptors.

Education is a key pillar—through school visits, public events, and on-site interpretation at nature reserves, the Trust helps build public understanding and support for birds of prey. It also prioritises accessibility and inclusion, welcoming volunteers and members from all backgrounds to support conservation work, from field surveys to nestbox schemes.

The organisation partners with landowners, local communities, and conservation bodies, reflecting its collaborative culture. Transparency and accountability are important: as a registered charity, the Trust openly reports its impact and encourages members to take part in shaping its future.

Overall, the Hawk and Owl Trust promotes a culture of respect, knowledge-sharing, and hands-on conservation, making a lasting impact on the UK’s raptor populations and their habitats.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The Hawk and Owl Trust promotes fairness, equality, and inclusion across its workforce and volunteers. It follows the Equality Act 2010, ensuring no discrimination based on age, gender, race, disability, religion, or background. The Trust applies inclusive recruitment practices, values contributions from all individuals, and fosters a respectful, collaborative culture.  A zero-tolerance approach to bullying or harassment is upheld, with clear procedures for reporting concerns. This commitment helps create a supportive environment that reflects the Trust’s values and strengthens its conservation work.