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Young Falconer's Experience

Birds of prey are fascinating and majestic animals, and it is a wonderful experience to be able to get close to and fly one. We invite aspiring young falconers to join us for a fun three-hour session where they can discover what it is like to be a member of our Bird Team.

Accompanied by two members of our friendly and inspiring team, as a Young Falconer, you will:

  • Handle and fly a variety of birds;
  • Meet a vulture;
  • Meet a falcon
  • Learn how to track birds using a radio transmitter;
  • Learn about weighing and feeding birds correctly;
  • See some behind-the-scenes techniques of a flying display and have a go at some of it too!

This experience is for children at secondary school age. For younger children, at primary school, we have our Children’s Owl Experience. Please note that this experience only takes places between February and October.

£79.95

If you already have a voucher for this experience and would like to book, please click on the orange button below and insert your voucher number when prompted at checkout.

 

Your Experience

Please head to Reception in the Hawk Conservancy Trust shop at the start of your session, where you will be directed to meet your host. We ask that each child is accompanied to the Trust by a responsible adult (admission for this person included in the experience price). This adult must remain on site throughout the duration of the experience but cannot join the experience session itself.

These intimate experience sessions are limited to small groups of up to six guests, with two members of our team guiding and informing you through your day. These three-hour experience sessions are available in the morning or afternoon:

Afternoon sessions are half an hour longer as they include a break to watch the 2pm flying display. If you are attending a morning session, you are most welcome to remain at the Trust and enjoy the rest of our daily activities. If you are attending an afternoon session you are welcome to arrive earlier and enjoy the daily morning activities. In either case, you may wish to visit Feathers Restaurant for some lunch or refreshments (not included). Feathers Restaurant is open daily from 9:30am for breakfast, until the park closes.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a gift voucher for this experience, how do I book?

If you already have a voucher for this experience and would like to book, please click on the orange “Select a date and buy/book this experience” button above and insert your voucher number when prompted at checkout.

This experience must be pre-booked. Due to the popularity of this experience, early booking is required. Your voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase; an expiry date is shown inside your gift card. Please note your experience must be booked and fulfilled before the expiry date shown. Once the voucher has expired, the experience and any related monies are forfeited.

If you would prefer to book this over the phone, please call us on 01264 773850 (between 10am and 4pm) and have your voucher number(s) to hand.

What should I wear?

We have a natural countryside setting: sensible footwear and appropriate clothing for outdoors are recommended. Please avoid wearing brightly coloured clothing. Most walkways are laid paths; however you may find some natural unevenness within our grounds.

Do I need any special equipment?

All necessary training and equipment are supplied.

Can I take photos during my experience?

Yes! We are more than happy for the participating child to take photographs as a memento of their day, and our staff at the experience session can take pictures of them with the birds if they wish.

Will an adult need to join the experience with me?

We ask that each child is accompanied to the Trust by a responsible adult (admission for this person included in the experience price). This adult must remain on site throughout the duration of the experience but cannot join the experience session itself.

Will my experience still go ahead in bad weather?

If severe weather threatens, the Trust may cancel and rearrange your experience by 2pm the day before it is due to take place. Please contact the office on 01264 773850 after 2pm the day before your experience to confirm that the weather conditions are suitable for your experience to take place.

Please note:

Did you know?
The Peregrine Falcon is one of the most widely distributed and successful raptors on the planet. They’re found in most habitats from extreme cold to extreme heat, from sea level to over 4000m. They’re also adapting to live in cities.
©2024 Hawk Conservancy Trust