This is an amazing opportunity to spend a day flying and handling a variety of birds of prey, such as kestrels, owls, hawks, eagles and vultures. Combining our popular Half Day and the incredible Eagles & Vulture Experiences into one day, you can purchase two unforgettable sessions for a special discounted price.
The Ultimate Bird Handling Experience costs £135 for one Participant, £147.50 for one Participant with one Observer, or £245 for two Participants together. Vouchers can be purchased at any time. This Experience is available for booking from 1st March until 30th November each year.
The Half Day Bird Handling Experience…
This Experience gives people the chance to handle and fly a number of different species of birds of prey and owls at the centre. After tea/coffee, Participants will be given a guided tour of the centre. They will then fly at least 8 birds in the arena at the centre from a selection of kestrels, owls, hawks and buzzards.
The Eagle & Vulture Experience…
The Eagle & Vulture Experience gives Participants the opportunity to get up close and handle some of our largest and most powerful birds of prey. After a short introduction, participants will start by flying a hawk to learn how the birds will fly and land on their glove. They will then move on to fly, handle, or feed at least five Eagles and/or Vultures. Participants will have the chance to ask the falconer questions throughout the experience, and will learn more about these magnificent birds from their experienced and knowledgeable handlers.
The Eagles & Vulture Experience session will have a maximum of four Participants. Any other person wishing to be present to watch the experience must pay the normal visitor admission charges, but will not be permitted to enter the flying arena.
Timings
The Half-Day Bird Handling Experience commences at 10:15 and finishes at around 1pm. The Eagle & Vulture Experience starts at 2:00pm and finishes at around 3:30pm . There will be a break of around an hour for lunch and to allow you to look around the aviaries and/or watch the daily flying display from 1pm (weather permitting). Refreshments are available from the café in the Webb’s Garden Centre, or you may wish to bring a packed lunch to take advantage of our outdoor picnic area. Otherwise, there are several pubs and restaurants within a few minutes drive of the Centre.
Minimum Age
Participants and Observers must be at least 18 years old. Due to the size and weight of the birds involved in this experience, Participants must have a good degree of physical fitness and mobility. It will involve flying birds up to 10lbs (5kg) in weight onto your outstretched left arm. We regret that this experience is not suitable for wheelchair users; we therefore recommend the Half Day Bird Handling Experience on its own as an alternative for anyone who feels this experience may not be suitable for them.
Vouchers purchased online will be valid for 12 months. To book a date, please telephone us on 01562 700014 during our opening hours.
Purchase an Ultimate Bird Handling Experience Gift Voucher
Frequently Asked Questions about our Ultimate Experience
How often do you run the Experiences and far ahead do I need to book a date?
The Ultimate Bird Handling Experience is available to purchase all year around. It can only be booked from 1st March until 30th November each year. During this period, it is available on various days to suit demand (weekend and weekdays). We operate on a first-come, first serve basis for all dates. To book a date we generally say as far in advance as possible. Occasionally, we can accommodate people at short notice if places are available. Weekend dates are the most popular and can book up very quickly at certain times of the year. To book a date please call us on 01562 700014 during visitor centre opening hours.
I have paid on-line, how long does it take to receive the voucher?
We will email the voucher to you within 2 days of the payment. If you have requested a printed voucher, please allow at least 7 days for delivery.
How do I book a specific date when I pay for the voucher?
Unfortunately there is no way to book a date online. If you wish to book a date when you purchase the experience, please call us. If you prefer not to pay over the phone, you can arrange the date with us first, then pay online.
How many participants are in a group?
We limit the number of Participants on our Experiences. The Half Day is limited to 6 Participants on a weekday or up to 8 on a weekend. The Eagles & Vulture session is limited to a maximum of 4 Participants. There may also be Observers present.
I wish to purchase a voucher for two Participants – can they book separate dates?
The reduced price for two Participants is on the provision that they do the experience together on the same date. Unfortunately it is not possible to book an experience for two on separate dates. Therefore, we will normally only issue one voucher with one reference number for booking on this basis.
Can we take photographs?
Participants and Observers on our Bird Handling Experiences are welcome to bring their own camera/ video cameras to take photographs.
What happens if the weather is bad on the date of my experience?
We will run the experiences in most weather conditions, but we also want you to enjoy your experience. You can telephone us to rearrange the date in the event of bad weather. Rain is not a problem but strong winds can affect the birds’ ability to fly, particularly for Eagles & Vultures. In strong winds, birds may be flown on a training line (creance). In the event of an Amber Weather Warning for wind, we may contact you to discuss rearranging your experience.