Enjoy Falconry in Essex with these hands-on taster, half day and full day sessions! Spend time with an expert falconer and discover all about the world of birds of prey at the superb Barleylands Farm Park, a farming, falconry and craft centre near Billericay, reached by a tree-lined walkway.
Nigel, who is director at the centre and Lisa, centre manager, are immensely passionate about their collection of birds of prey and their enthusiasm is sure to rub off on you. Specialising in African birds of prey, Nigel is bound to want to introduce you to Mika, the African Fish Eagle who likes nothing more than to gobble down a tasty morsel of fresh fish.
The taster session lasts an hour and in that time the birds on the display lawn will be described to you and their natural habitat and behaviour explained so you get a real understanding of these impressive birds. Then you will have the thrill of flying a bird to the hand.
A half day in Essex gives you three hours with the opportunity to both handle and fly a variety of birds of prey to your gloved fist including Hawks, Owls and Falcons. You'll soon learn that each bird has very much its own personality and as most of the birds have been raised at the centre from chicks, you'll hear all about their development from egg to fully fledged adult bird.
The full day experience gives you loads of hands-on experience with majestic birds of prey. You'll be shown the aviaries where the birds rest and the weathering ground, as well as the display lawn used for falconry displays, before heading off to a hearty lunch in the Hive restaurant. On your return, a selection of the raptors will be prepared for an afternoon of flying in the adjacent fields. With over 1000 acres to explore there are lots of opportunities to see and appreciate these birds flying in their natural environment.
These falconry in Essex experiences are excellent gifts for anyone you know who would like to get up close to these magnificent birds and get loads of hands on action flying the birds too. It's flexible too, with various start times for the one hour taster, morning and afternoon sessions for the half day and regular dates on weekdays and weekends throughout the year for the full day falconry extravaganza in Essex.