This owl handling experience takes place in the evenings, so you can enjoy the owls in their natural habitat, going hunting for food as the sun sets over the countryside of Hagley, in the West Midlands.

Owls really are one of the best loved species of birds, with their flat faces and that characteristic circle of feathers around their eyes, combined with their very distinctive hooting sound, so this owl handling experience is sure to delight both young and old. Led by expert handlers, you will have plenty of time to get close to these owls and you even get the chance to fly them too.

And we'll let you into a little secret now; it's a myth that owls can turn their heads all the way round. In fact, owls can indeed look way over their own shoulders, but only a 270 degree view. With amazing hearing and being incredibly long-sighted, owls make for very successful hunters seeking out vols, mice, rats and birds from a distance and swooping silently and very effectively to capture their prey - all of which you'll see first hand as you take a walk around the flying arena at the centre as night falls, when the owl's hunting skills are at their finest.

The centre has a large collection of owls, including five out of the six owl species native to Britain, such as a  Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) called Mr Burns, with his typical tufty ears. You may also meet the Asian Brown Wood Owl, the Bengal Eagle Owl called Bazil or even Newton the Chaco Owl. One of the favourites has to be the gorgeous white Snowy Owl called Moss who loves heading out on Owl handling experiences during the winter months.

The experience last approximately 2 ¼ hours. You will start your day with a welcome, refreshments and an introduction to the centre and Owls. With plenty of handling and flying opportunities you will fly at least 5 different species which may include a Chaco Owl, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Snowy Owl, Long eared Owl and Eagle Owls. You will also get the chance to see a variety of other birds of prey housed at the centre. You may form part of a group of up to 6 other participants plus any guests.


The experience is available on selected weekdays and weekends throughout the year running from 4.45 to 7pm.


The venue is located in the West Midlands in Hagley.


There is a minimum age of 12 years. All participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (spectator fees apply).


Spectator places are available to purchase at a charge of £15 per person with a maximum of 4 per participant.  Your spectator place entitles you to close up viewing to the handling and flying of the birds with plenty of great photo opportunities but does not include handling the birds yourself. There is a Garden Centre adjacent as well as a cafe on site.