On Thursday, 11th June 2026, Y8 was fortunate to get the opportunity to visit an amazing conservancy trust to enhance our knowledge and understanding of adaptations of birds of prey. This was a trip organised by the Science Department as our enrichment project this half-term is ‘Adaptations of Plants and Animals’.
We left on a rainy morning, but morale was kept high with the exciting prospect of visiting these wonderful creatures. Once there, we got straight into our packed day; this involved a workshop, free time and flight shows.
During the workshop, we got to compare feathers of the birds of prey on site (these had naturally fallen out – like our hair does) and then our group leader took us to see a few of the birds in their expansive aviaries. We saw the Burrowing Owl, the African White-backed Vulture and more. Afterwards, it was time for a flight show with the whole year watching and the few members of the public who were visiting that day. This is where we met Angola, the Secretary Bird, Matilda, the African White-backed Vulture plus other brilliant birds of prey.
Our packed lunches were provided by the wonderful Gordon’s School Catering Team. We were granted some free time to admire the birds in their enclosures; this was a great chance to observe how the birds act without the keepers that they work with every day.
Although most of the Accipitriformes and Strigiformes were tucked away to stay warm on this drizzly day, a few – specifically, vultures – braved the rain to wash off any of the remaining carrion left in their feathers. This was the perfect time to admire their wingspan.
Finally, we watched a short section of the Masters of the Sky flying display. We saw lots of different birds, notably a Peregrine Falcon, the fastest animal on the planet! Unfortunately, it was time to get back on the coach to head back to school.
Thank you very much to the trip leader Mrs Olden from the Science Department for organising the trip and to all members of staff who helped make the trip happen.
Zara, Y8