The centre houses on of the most significant collections of Birds of Prey in the UK with over 60 species of Owls, Eagles and Hawks. The Centre has played a major part in the captive breeding of many species and continues to be involved in breeding and conservation of many important species, with new species laying eggs each year.
The International Centre for Birds of Prey is the
oldest bird of prey centre in the UK and one of the friendliest. The
atmosphere here is great and visitors always say they feel like a part
of the family, which is nice to hear. As you arrive you will see first
of all the tiny Burrowing Owls, Ruby, Rival and Wayside, who are nothing
if not very talkative as your first welcome. Probably a Labrador or
two will be your next welcome and no the little one is not a puppy,
it’s our Patterdale Terrier who is in disgrace right now as he keeps
getting stuck under the decking trying to eat the wild baby rabbits!
The Hawk Walk is where you will wander through on your way to the
flying ground. This is where most of the trained birds are kept, and
the individual birds and the species will change through the year as
older birds get a rest period and young ones start work again. There
could be a huge Steller’s Sea Eagle or a tiny American Kestrel, a
handsome Peregrine or a mad looking Goshawk. There are usually between
20 and 38 birds living here, and all are flown every day.
Through the gates at the bottom you can either turn sharp left and
go straight down to the flying ground, or keep on and look round all
the aviaries, it depends on your choice and the flying times. Each
demonstration in the field is completely different with differing birds
on every one. Just watch behind you as you walk down through the
archway of trees to the benches, the next bird might be coming behind
you fast and low under the trees!!
If you are interested in photography and a challenge, the flying
demonstrations will give you plenty of opportunities, with some of the
birds flying just over the top of your head, and on occasion it seems
like they are flying down your lens! Some birds are slow and easy, some
are fast and almost impossible. All are wonderful to watch and we are
delighted if you get good photos, in fact – keep an eye out for the
annual photography competition; you never know you might win!
While you are in the field you can walk round it, two ponds that
have been recently cleared and extended will soon be full of wildlife
again. In the spring the field is full of wild daffodils, which are
very pretty. The wood to the side has paths through it, say hello to
the dogs who have lived and died here, this is their place. The field
is also a good place for picnics in the warmer weather.
Opening Times and Prices
We are open 7 days a week, from 10.30am to 5.30pm
The Centre closes for the Winter during December and January
Adults £10.00
Children (4-15) £6.50
Senior Citizens £9.00
Family Ticket (2+2) £30.00
We fly the birds every day; up to forty will be flown
daily in the summer months when the new birds are joining the team.
Most of the demonstrations are outdoors in the flying grounds, an
excellent chance for photography. However in poor weather we fly
indoors with teams of birds that will happily manage inside, so
whatever the weather you will see birds fly on your visit. We hold
three flying demonstrations daily- there is a different team for each
demo, so why not come for all of them?
Feb 1st - Mar 27th: 11.30am 1.30pm 3.30pm
Mar 27th - Sept 30th: 11.30am 2.00pm 4.15pm
Oct 1st - Nov 30th: 11.30am 1.30pm 3.30pm
During the day you may see training sessions in between
official flying times. You are welcome to watch, but try to keep still
and quiet to help the young birds in training. If there is a special
bird or species you want to see, phone to see if and when it might be
on flying demonstration work
