What Can I Expect

Experience falconry in Dorchester at a quiet spot in the village of Lewell, on the edge of the stunning Purbeck Heritage Coast. A great place for the birds to live and a great place for humans to visit too!

Husband and wife team Martin and Tara saw this seven acre former nursery in Lewell and the dream was born. The motivated duo has put their heart and soul into this project. It's not so much a falconry centre, more a sanctuary, with a bird of prey hospital and rehabilitation centre, where injured raptors can be nursed back to health.

The advantage of this location near Dorchester is the tranquillity. It's the ideal natural habitat for these majestic birds, with large expanses of safe, open spaces for them to fly. Just what the doctor ordered for a recovering bird of prey!

As well as their altruistic work, the duo continues to display at shows, to welcome school groups and clubs and host these falconry experience days too.

They also intend for the centre to be a place to encourage the study, conservation and breeding of birds of prey. Indeed, there are several endangered or rare species of bird here. And whilst they may be native to places hundreds of miles away from Dorchester, they love life in Lewell.

On these insightful experiences you'll get to see how work is progressing at the sanctuary and meet some of the 100 residents. You might be lucky enough to be there when eggs have hatched to reveal the fluffiest, wobbliest, cutest balls of feathers you've ever seen, all squeaking away for food!

When it comes to handling and flying the birds, you'll be spoilt for choice, with so many fully trained birds itching to display their hunting and flying prowess as they swoop over the Dorchester countryside.

We are offering small group owl and birds of prey experiences and also VIP family days, where you and the kids will be given exclusive access to this lovely Dorchester falconry centre to enjoy the experience as a family.

When Is It Available

Suitable For

• All participants must have a good general level of fitness
• Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear should be worn

Owl Experience and Ultimate Bird of Prey Experience

• Suitable for 14 years and up (children aged 14-16 will need to be accompanied by a spectating adult)

VIP Family Experience

• Two children minimum age 6
• Two adults over 18
• Additional participants can attend subject to a charge of £20 per person payable when booking your date

Spectators

• No dogs are allowed on site

Anything Else

• All experiences are weather dependant and may be rescheduled if weather conditions are unfavourable