Chris Sperring has dedicated over 30 years to wildlife conservation as a key member of the Hawk and Owl Trust team, with much of his work focusing on conserving owls and their habitats. We spoke to Chris about his inspiring journey, the projects he's most proud of, and his insights on the future of nature conservation.
Q. How did your journey with the Hawk and Owl Trust begin?
A: I’ve worked with the Hawk and Owl Trust since 1991. It all came about because of what I was doing as a hobby - conserving owls, particularly Barn Owls, here in the South West of England.
In the first three years, the objective was to get Barn Owls breeding in the area by building on the great relationships I’d already built with the local farming community. Being able to do this work full-time made a huge difference in the amount of progress we were able to make, as a lot of the groundwork was already there.
Since then, it’s been about building on those foundations and working alongside local communities to support many different wildlife conservation initiatives.
Q: What does conservation mean to you?
A: Conservation is about seeing how everything in nature is connected. Nothing lives in isolation - every plant, animal, and insect depends on something else, including us as humans. Once you start to understand these incredible connections, you gain a whole new perspective on your own place in the world.
Too often, nature education focuses on dry facts and figures, when what we really need to be doing is fostering that sense of wonder and respect. If we can get people out into nature, observing and experiencing it firsthand, that's when the real magic happens; that’s the beauty of the nature reserves run by the Hawk and Owl Trust that are open to the public. You start to see yourself as an integral part of these complex, beautiful systems, rather than just an external observer.
Q: What are some of the projects you're most proud of over the years with the Hawk and Owl Trust?
A: One of the things I'm most proud of is the way our projects have been able to continue and evolve over decades. Many conservation projects run for a few years and then stop, but we’ve worked hard to make sure ours keep going. We've made a real effort to gift our information and projects to the local communities where we work, so that the work can have true longevity.
A great example is our ongoing Adopt a Box programme. Over the years, we’ve installed nest boxes for birds of prey and owls across various regions of the country, supported by public sponsorship. Community members – local residents and landowners – are still helping to maintain and replace the nest boxes we first put up thirty years ago. Even if I were to step away tomorrow, I know these projects would carry on because they're so deeply rooted in the local areas. That's the kind of longevity and sustainability I'm most proud of - it's not just about short-term wins but creating something that will outlast any one individual.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges facing owls today, and how is the Hawk and Owl Trust working to address them?
A: A major challenge is the rapid decline of certain owl species. For example, we’ve seen fewer Long-Eared Owls spending the winter here in the UK. Climate change is likely a big factor –milder winters in Scandinavia may mean they don’t need to migrate as far south. But other things could also be at play, like habitat loss, fewer voles (their main prey), or even competition from Tawny Owls. To understand this better, we’re once again running our annual Long-Eared Owl survey.
We need the public’s help to build a clearer picture of the UK Long-Eared Owl population. Anyone can take part - you don’t need to be an avid birdwatcher to help, you just need to be observant and willing to share what you see. Our website has a short video explaining how to get involved, and there’s an online form to share what you’ve seen. Even if you don’t spot any owls, your report is just as valuable because it helps us understand where they aren’t, too.
This data will be crucial for informing our conservation strategies going forward. It's all about getting that community involvement and citizen science to help fill in the gaps in our knowledge. Surveys like these lead to ideas, and ideas to action.
Q: What is your philosophy on conservation?
A: Conservation should be about action. I find that conservation efforts can sometimes get overly complicated, with too much talk and not enough on-the-ground work. Once you know what needs to be done, you just need to get out there and do it. For example, with something like habitat creation, we don't need to spend a year debating the best way to let the grass grow. We just need to let it grow and see what happens.
I also believe that conservation has to come from the ground up. Communities need to be involved because they’re the ones who will carry out the work and influence decision-makers.
Q. Can you share an example of a recent experience in nature that really inspired you?
A: The natural world never ceases to amaze me. Just recently, I was at a place called Sand Bay in Somerset, overlooking the estuary, and in the span of just five minutes, I watched autumn, winter, and summer all fly by as I watched the incredible movements of migrating birds. Redwings from Scandinavia arrived to spend the winter, while a thousand Swallows heading south for warmer climates flew overhead.
It was a powerful reminder of how connected and dynamic nature is. You don’t have to go to a remote, untouched wilderness to find that sense of wonder and connection – it’s all around us if we take the time to notice it.
Q. What's something you wish people knew about birds of prey?
A common myth is that birds of prey hunt their prey to extinction. That’s just not how nature works. The predator species would die out long before completely wiping out their prey. The only species that's capable of hunting the animals it depends on to extinction is humans.
Another misconception is that owls spend all their time hunting. In reality, they actually spend a lot of their time just roosting and resting.
Understanding these species – their behaviours, what they need to survive, and how they fit into the bigger picture – is crucial for conservation. Education is so important because the more people know, the more they’ll care and want to help.
Chris’s work shows that conservation is about small actions adding up to big change. Whether it’s keeping an eye out for Long-Eared Owls, sponsoring a nest box, or coming to explore our Somerset or Norfolk reserves to experience the beauty of British wildlife for yourself, there’s a way for everyone to get involved.
To find out more about how to take part in the Long-Eared Owl survey or to learn more about the species, visit longearedowl.org
Give the Gift of Conservation This Christmas: The Hawk and Owl Trust’s Innovative Nest Box Sponsorships Ideal for Nature Enthusiasts
17 December 2024: For over 30 years, The Hawk and Owl Trust has been aiding raptor conservation with its pioneering Adopt a Box scheme, first launched in 1993. This impactful initiative has provided safe nesting environments for some of Britain’s most iconic birds of prey, including Barn Owls, Tawny Owls, Little Owls, Kestrels, and Peregrines, across seven regions of Great Britain making a great gift for the nature enthusiasts in your life this Christmas.
“Approximately 80% of Barn Owl couples now nest in boxes provided through programmes like ours,” says Chris Sperring MBE, Conservation Officer at The Hawk and Owl Trust. “This sponsorship offers a tangible way to support conservation efforts while connecting people with the incredible wildlife in our countryside. Each sponsorship includes a personalised certificate of sponsorship, a yearly activity report, a greeting card with your message, a detailed guide to British Owls or Raptors and a bespoke The Nest Box newsletter filled with updates of the conservation efforts.”
Over the past few years, the Hawk and Owl Trust has instigated a major program of installing updated nest boxes and replacing older ones to meet growing conservation needs. The Trust’s innovative designs now feature enhanced predator protection, weather resistance, and materials that mimic natural nesting sites. These improvements have significantly increased occupancy and breeding success rates, ensuring raptors have safe and effective nesting environments.
Why Sponsor a Nest Box?
Sponsorship directly supports conservation efforts and helps ensure the survival of birds of prey and owls in Britain. Through public sponsorships, the programme funds the installation, monitoring, and maintenance of bespoke nesting boxes, designed specifically to meet the needs of each species.
Perfect Gift for Nature Lovers
The Adopt a Box sponsorship is an ideal gift for any occasion—Christmas, birthdays, or even as a meaningful gesture for yourself. Sponsors can choose a box in one of seven regions across the UK and select their preferred bird species.
Making a Difference
Funds raised through the Adopt a Box scheme support the Trust’s licensed Wildlife Conservation Officers, who monitor the boxes during breeding seasons and provide expert advice to landowners. This collaborative approach ensures the longevity and health of local bird populations while fostering greater awareness of the importance of raptor conservation.
To find out more about gifting an Adopt a Box this Christmas visit: https://hawkandowltrust.org/how-to-support/join-us/adopt-a-box
Brood Management of Hen Harriers Update
The Hawk and Owl Trust (HAOT) has long worked with landowners to develop balanced conservation strategies. In late 2014, HAOT formed a scientific advisory committee with three leading academics (Professors Ian Newton, Steve Redpath, and Des Thompson) to guide them on the Hen Harrier’s situation in upland England.
Prof Steve Redpath, a committee member, stressed the importance of evidence-based solutions:
“Finding solutions that work for all sides depends on solid evidence. Relying only on enforcement risks worsening the conflict and possibly further reducing harrier numbers. This would harm both the Hen Harrier and those who enjoy seeing these birds. Surely it’s better to build a plan based on evidence and dialogue rather than trying to force one view?”
Following this advice, HAOT backed DEFRA’s 2016 Hen Harrier Action Plan and Trial. A key part was the Brood Management Trial, which involved taking eggs or chicks from some Hen Harrier nests on grouse moors, raising them in captivity, and then releasing them back into northern England’s uplands.
The Trust’s support came with conditions, including safe satellite tagging of all released birds and a promise to end support if any illegal harm occurred.
Project Outcomes
The 2023 Hen Harrier survey shows mixed results. In 2023, a total of 54 nests were recorded (up from 49 in 2022) of which 36 were successful (34 in 2022). A total of 141 Hen Harrier chicks fledged (119 in 2022). This is a huge increase from just four pairs in 2016. Yet, Hen Harriers are still missing from large areas.
It is widely acknowledged that the illegal killing of Hen Harriers must come to an end. An alternative strategy has been implemented and is showing signs of success, as evidenced by the increasing population numbers. However, the rate of mortality and the disappearance of these birds within their first year remains high.
The Hawk and Owl Trust’s Involvement
As the current licence period ends, the HAOT board has reviewed the charity’s involvement. The Trust knew its participation was a calculated risk but believed its voice could make an impact. While some members had reservations, the Trust felt this project was more important than these concerns.
The Trust earlier this year has reassessed its role based on the project’s outcomes and the latest scientific evidence available. It remains committed to finding practical solutions that balance wildlife protection with human needs, always guided by the best available data and expert advice.
The board recognised that Hen Harrier Brood Management has been controversial, drawing criticism from nature lovers and gamekeepers alike.
HAOT hasn’t directly carried out the initiative but has played a supportive role, offering insights and backing evidence-based solutions to balance wildlife conservation with human interests.
The charity acknowledges the programme’s successes, including more Hen Harrier nests and breeding pairs in England. However, the project has faced challenges and legal issues. Both environmentalists and estate managers have raised concerns, highlighting the project’s sensitive nature.
Despite population growth, Hen Harrier numbers remain low, with illegal culling still a problem. Budget constraints limited the research team’s ability to fully assess the Action Plan’s impact on bird populations, underscoring the need for proper funding in wildlife research and also areas which are no longer managed.
Illegal harm to Hen Harriers and weak law enforcement remain serious issues requiring a multi-faceted approach.
The Trust decided in March 2024 to withdraw from the project at the end of the current licence period and focus on other conservation efforts.
The Trust recognises the ongoing need for collaboration, transparency, and monitoring to ensure the Hen Harrier’s survival. Future success depends on licences, funding, and cooperation between conservationists, land managers, and stakeholders, building on the foundation laid by the initiative.
‘Well Woman Walks’ at Shapwick Moor
20 September 2024 – The Hawk and Owl Trust is inviting local women to connect with nature through dedicated monthly ‘Well Woman Walks’ at Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve, near Glastonbury, Somerset. The initiative aims to benefit mental wellbeing and provides women with an opportunity to connect with nature, stay active, and enjoy the beauty of the local surroundings.
Recognising the need for specific programmes that support women’s wellbeing and access to nature, the Hawk and Owl Trust began offering the regular walks in early 2023 to provide a safe, supportive environment for women of all ages and fitness levels. The walks take place on the last Monday of each month, with space for up to 15 walkers each session. Past walks have centred on specific themes, offering an introduction to different aspects of the natural world, such as wildlife gardening and nocturnal critters. Walkers are invited to stay and wind down with a hot drink after the session.
Nestled in the Somerset Wetlands National Nature Reserve, Shapwick Moor is part of a fascinating working landscape celebrated for its rich wildlife, heritage and culture. The Hawk and Owl Trust manage this former arable farmland for the benefit of birds of prey and other wildlife.
The walks are led by Alex Learmont, Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve Warden & Outreach Officer at the Hawk and Owl Trust, who commented: “The Well Woman Walks at Shapwick Moor began in 2023 after several local women approached me expressing a desire to engage more deeply with the nature reserve and its unique wildlife. They wanted a supportive environment to start this journey, and we listened. Our walks have since evolved into a cherished escape – a safe space where women can leave behind daily pressures, connect with each other, and immerse themselves in the calming surroundings at Shapwick Moor as we look out for seasonal highlights.
“Many of our participants find these walks to be a breath of fresh air, a respite from their roles as caregivers or from other challenging life circumstances. Research suggests that UK women are three times more likely than men to feel unsafe in a park during the day. Our Well Woman Walks are more than just a walk; it’s a chance to share stories, gain strength from shared experiences, and simply feel safe to enjoy a peaceful moment in nature,” continued Alex.
Julie Slater, a regular attendee of the Well Woman Walks, commented: “Attending the Well Woman Walks every month is something that I always look forward to – it gives me the opportunity to learn more about nature and the magnificent wildlife that the reserve has to offer. It also gives me a chance to do something for myself with like-minded women. I always come away with a smile on my face, eagerly awaiting the next walk.”
Warden’s Walks – new monthly walks open to all
Starting this autumn, Hawk and Owl Trust will also be running monthly 'Warden's Walks' at Shapwick Moor, giving visitors the chance to experience the reserve's wildlife as it changes through the seasons. The next walk will take place on Friday 11 October.
Wildlife sightings – What to expect
In late summer and early autumn, walkers can look forward to a rich tapestry of plants bearing fruits and nuts and wildlife species at Shapwick Moor, from Hobbies and Woodpeckers, to Kestrels and Kingfishers, lots of fungi, and a few late dragonflies and butterflies.
What to bring
Visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, sturdy walking boots or wellies recommended. Binoculars are also recommended to fully experience the wonders that the reserve has to offer.
The walk will take in a mixture of hardstanding track and grassy fields, with mostly level ground. There is a wooden footbridge and a stile on one of the footpaths, as well as several uneven concrete steps.
To sign up for the next Well Woman Walk, please visit: https://members.hawkandowltrust.org/Event-Registration/EventId/68
‘The Kingdom of the Ice Bear’ – fundraising event for Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, Norfolk – 27 September 2024
16 September 2024 – A local wildlife photographer and volunteer reserve warden is set to share his captivating account of an extraordinary Arctic expedition at an upcoming fundraising event for the Hawk and Owl Trust’s Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Fakenham, Norfolk.
‘The Kingdom of the Ice Bear’ is the story of Bob Johnson's four-week voyage on a historic seal hunting boat in the Arctic, photographing polar bears up-close. Setting sail in the summer of 2018, Bob’s journey took him deep into the remote fjords of Northern Svalbard and up to the polar icecap, where he faced freezing temperatures, rugged conditions, and breathtaking encounters with polar bears. His talk will add extra colour to his stunning photographs with anecdotes of life onboard the Havsel – Norway’s last seal hunting vessel and the same boat now mainly used by the BBC to film iconic nature documentaries like Frozen Planet.
A trip to Africa in 2006 sparked Bob’s passion for wildlife photography. Over the years, he has travelled to more than 50 countries, capturing the world’s most incredible species, and was recently named PAGB’s ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ 2024.
Visitors to Sculthorpe Moor might recognise Bob as one of the reserve’s friendly, dedicated volunteer wardens. Since retiring to North Norfolk in 2023, Bob has spent most Fridays at the reserve, topping up bird feeders, helping to maintain the hides, and chatting with visitors about the site’s abundant wildlife.
Bob Johnson said, “I’ve been giving talks to photographers about my travels for years, but this is a special chance to share my Arctic adventure with my local community. I’m very lucky to have Sculthorpe Moor right on my doorstep. My photography has taken me everywhere from the Serengeti to the polar icecap, but I still find immense joy in the diverse array of local Norfolk wildlife that can be spotted on the reserve such as the Barn Owl, the Marsh Harrier, and my favourite, the Kingfisher. It’s an honour to use my experiences to help raise funds for this amazing place.”
Victoria Chamberlin, Education and Activities Officer at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, said: “Bob is not only a talented photographer but also a dedicated volunteer warden who plays an important role in helping visitors get the most out of their time on the reserve. His upcoming talk is another example of that. Bob’s stunning photographs and stories offer a glimpse into a world few of us will ever experience first-hand, but also a reminder that you don’t need to travel far to connect with nature.”
Proceeds from ‘The Kingdom of the Ice Bear’ event will directly support the Hawk and Owl Trust’s conservation projects at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, helping to maintain and expand its work in protecting Norfolk’s wildlife.
Tickets to Bob’s talk at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve on Friday, 27 September cost £10 and can be purchased from https://members.hawkandowltrust.org/Event-Registration/EventId/108.
Public donations are essential to supporting the Trust’s work. People can also become members to stay updated on new exciting projects and announcements.
Discovery Days at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, Fakenham – Wednesdays, 10am-12.30pm
29 July 2024 – Local families and visitors to Norfolk can get closer to nature this summer with a range of low-cost ‘drop-in’ activities on offer throughout the school holidays at the Hawk and Owl Trust’s Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve in Fakenham, North Norfolk.
Running every Wednesday from July 24th to August 28th from 10am to 12:30pm, the ‘Discovery Days’ summer holiday programme will include a range of interactive and educational activities aimed at connecting children and adults with the natural world. Visitors will be able to explore the wonders of nature through pond-dipping, bug hunts, woodland activities, nature crafts, guided bird watching and an intriguing nature trail, all facilitated and led by the reserve’s dedicated activities staff and volunteers. While the Discovery Days are particularly suited to primary school-aged children (3-11 years), children and teenagers of all ages are welcome to join the fun.
Each Discovery Day is £6 per participating child with accompanying adults free of charge. These are drop-in events so there is no booking needed. The Sculthorpe site is fully accessible and can accommodate the specific needs of children.
Participants will also have access to the entire 200-acre nature reserve for the rest of the day, allowing families to explore its beauty at their own pace. Visitors are welcome to bring their own packed lunch and enjoy picnicking in a serene natural setting.
"The Discovery Days are a fantastic opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature in this vibrant corner of Norfolk as they unwind from a busy school year," says Victoria Chamberlin, Education and Activities Officer at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve.
"Our goal is to provide children and their families with memorable experiences that foster a lifelong love and appreciation for the natural world. With a variety of low-cost, accessible activities and resources available throughout the summer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy."
Look, listen, touch: self-guided sensory trail and family resources available daily
With Sculthorpe Moor open daily to visitors throughout the year, the Discovery Days are just one of the many ways in which families and individuals can explore the reserve this summer. New to Sculthorpe this summer are interpretation boards dotted around the reserve, offering a sensory exploration of the self-guided family trail while learning more about the fantastic wildlife to be found along the way.
The ever-popular ‘spotter sheets’ will also be available for free from the visitor centre to keep children engaged and enhance their learning as they try to spot some of the reserve’s varied species of birds, mammals, amphibians and insects.
Wildlife at Sculthorpe
Visitors to Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve this summer will be able to experience the beauty of the varied pond life, including stickleback fish, newts, dragonflies, butterflies and damson flies, and have the chance to spot creatures nestled in the reserve’s meadow, wood, fen and wetland habitats, such as frogs, wild fowl, egrets and kingfishers.
About Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
The Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, located near Fakenham in the Wensum Valley in North Norfolk, welcomes visitors to 200 acres dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, with seven hides across a range of managed landscapes, including meadow, wood, fen and wetlands habitats. The conservation site is open all year round from 9 am – 4 pm daily.
To plan your visit to Sculthorpe Moor nature reserve, visit: https://sculthorpe.hawkandowltrust.org/