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Birds of Prey Gloucestershire

Hardwicke, Gloucester

4 Reviews

Meet the birds at Hardwicke in Gloucestershire
This centre is not normally open to the public
Hosted by Ben Long, a UK leading falconer
Flying with Peregrine Falcons & Hawks

Choose Your Experience:

Half Day Experience
HDGLC1 £ 96.00

Full Day Experience
FDGLC1 £ 138.00

What's Included

Enjoy a half or full day falconry experience
All sessions are usually run in small groups of 4-5 participants
Learn about the history of falconry and fly a selection of hawks and falcons
The centre is not open to the public so your experience is exclusive
Receive a certificate and as a memento of your day
Refreshments are included

Half Day Experience

Experience the thrill of flying hawks and time permitting also an owl to the glove
Take part in the training of the falcons, often including a Peregrine
Experiences last approximately 3 hours

Full Day Experience

In addition to the half day activities you will also receive additional time flying the birds
An introduction to the history of the sport and the different species of birds
Learn about the basic feeding, training and management of Birds of Prey
Lunch break (lunch is not included so please either bring a packed lunch or visit one of the local pubs)
Experience last approximately six hours

Please visit the main falconry section for information on larger falconry groups or even 1-1 falconry days .

What Can I Expect

Enjoy either a half day or full day birds of prey course in Gloucestershire led by expert falconer Ben Long. Ben's fascination with birds of prey started in the early 1970s and since then he has become one of the leading falconry experts in the country.

Just five minutes' drive from J12 of the M5 finds you deep in the Gloucestershire countryside on a large estate near Hardwicke. From here, Ben will guide you around the 'weathered' birds (that's to say the birds are tethered to their perches outdoors), where you'll learn about the history and background to each of the species presented.

The full and half days offer you the chance to handle and fly these domestically bred, but still wild at heart birds of prey, including the world's fastest creature the Peregrine Falcon - a rare privilege indeed.

You will also be shown what looking after these birds of prey involves and you will be assisting with birds being flown from swinging lures and from lures suspended hundreds of feet in the air, tethered to kites or balloons.

Those choosing the full day falconry course will benefit from extra time flying the birds, so you can start to feel a real affinity with them, as you walk out with 'your' falcon on your arm. All in all it's a truly magical experience that all the family will enjoy.

It has to be said that Ben doesn't open up his collection to the general public, so these small and intimate group birds of prey experiences in Gloucestershire are the best way to get up close and actually be able to handle all types of raptors with a true falconry expert.

When Is It Available

Selected weekend and weekday dates throughout the year
Half days: 13:00-16:00
Full days: 10:00-16:00
Dates are subject to availability and weather conditions

Location

The centre is located on a country estate in Hardwicke, Gloucestershire
Conveniently located with easy access from the M5, J12

Suitable For

There is no minimum age
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult (Spectator fees apply)

Spectators

Spectators are welcome to attend for a small fee payable on the day
There are toilets on site as well a classroom providing falconry items of interest, educational dvds, tea/coffee and a lunch area