Wildebeest in the Potting Shed – Weyhill

Join Hawk Conservancy Trust Founder and Life President, Ashley Smith, for an evening of heart-warming and humorous stories. Ashley will share tales of some of the people, mammals and birds that have been involved with the Trust from its early days as a wildlife park, up to its current standing as an award-winning tourist attraction.

It was Ashley's parents, Reg and Hilary Smith, who bought Sarson Farm (the site of the Trust) in the 1950s. In 1965, the year Ashley was born, it became Weyhill Zoo. Ashley worked there as a child after school and at weekends and started full-time at 16. He's seen the Trust achieve many great things but he's especially proud of the National Bird of Prey Hospital™ and the creation of Reg's Wildflower Meadow, both in memory of his parents.

While at the Trust, Ashley most enjoys commentating the Valley of the Eagles demonstration although driving the tractor comes a close second! Nowadays, Ashley lives in Scotland where he follows his passion to watch Golden and White-tailed Eagles.
FUNDRAISING EVENT