The Hawk Conservancy Trust has paid tribute to children from across the country who have helped raise hundreds of pounds to keep the charity afloat in lockdown.

Children from Abbotts Ann, Marlborough and as far afield as Haslemere in Surrey have been raising spirits, and money, to help the charity in this tough year. The youngsters have given pocket money, sold cakes and rode 100 kilometres in order to make sure the Hawk Conservancy can maintain an income during the pandemic.

The charity’s chief executive, Penny Smout, said the children were “incredible”, adding: “Selfless acts like these from the younger generation are truly the wind beneath our wings.”

The Hawk Conservancy opened in 1966 as Weyhill Zoo, where it had a range of animals including bears and wolves. However, Reg Smith and his son Ashley were passionate about birds of prey, and in the 1980s, they decided to dedicate the zoo solely to birds of prey.

A hospital for injured birds of prey was opened in the 2000s, and the trust itself was formed in 2002 to take over the Hawk Conservancy following the passing away of its original owners.

During the pandemic, the charity said its income suffered a slump in the pandemic, and that government support schemes were not sufficient to supplement its income. Instead, it turned to the public for the first time to appeal for vital donations.

People from across the country answered that call, including plenty of children. One of these was Harriet Aston of Abbott’s Ann, who set up a baking delivery service, making and selling delicious cakes and cookies. The 15-year-old even built her own website to help sell her treats.

Meanwhile, brother and sister Nicolai and Eve Bauer, from Marlborough, donated their pocket money and Christmas money to help the charity. They also sold kindling wood to help augment their funds, before sending in the money in a letter addressed “to all the vultures” to help fund their favourite site.

Elsie Nicholls, from Haslemere, plans to undertake a challenge for the charity, and is planning to cycle 100km throughout April. She describes visiting the Hawk Conservancy with her grandfather as “one of the best times” of her life.

In response to these efforts, the trust’s chief executive paid tribute to everyone who contributed.

Penny said: “Selfless acts like these from the younger generation are truly the wind beneath our wings. Not only have these incredible young people provided us with some much-needed financial support, they’ve also provided the encouragement that our work is inspiring younger generations.

“Hearing about their love of birds and seeing them engage with our mission for their conservation just shows how we can all play our part in preserving our incredible wildlife for future generations.”

The Trust is planning to reopen its visitor centre at Weyhill on April 12, in line with the lifting of Government restrictions, and is hopeful that bookings will help stabilise the charity’s finances. To learn more, and buy tickets, visit: www.hawkconservancy.org

To contribute to Elsie’s fundraiser, click here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/elsieviolethawk