Meet Stella - Our New Feathered Team Member

Merstham Park School is delighted to introduce the newest (and perhaps most eye-catching!) member of our school community – Stella the hawk. Stella has joined us as part of a humane and environmentally friendly initiative to help manage the growing number of geese on our school field.

 

Over recent months, the geese have made themselves rather at home, leaving behind more than just footprints and occasionally making it difficult for students to use the field safely and comfortably. To address this in a responsible way, we’ve partnered with a professional falconer who will be bringing Stella in on a regular basis. Her presence alone is enough to encourage the geese to move on — no harm comes to any of the birds.

 

Stella is a Harris hawk, a species known for its intelligence, calm temperament, and impressive wingspan. Under the careful supervision of her handler, she helps to deter geese naturally by reminding them that the field isn’t the safest place to settle. This approach allows us to maintain our outdoor spaces in a way that is safe, sustainable, and kind to wildlife.

 

Students have already been fascinated by Stella’s visits, and she has sparked plenty of curiosity about wildlife, ecology, and animal behaviour. We look forward to using this as an opportunity to support learning across the curriculum — particularly in science and geography — and to further strengthen our connection with the natural world.

 

At Merstham Park School, we are proud to model respect for all living creatures, while ensuring that our environment remains clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Stella is helping us do just that — one graceful flight at a time