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Birds of Prey Derbyshire

Risley, Derbyshire
REF: HAWDRB
Rated Based On 5 Reviews

  • Falconry at Risley Garden Centre, Derbys
  • Learn from experienced host Ben Breward
  • Witness hunting & flying with raptors
  • Go on a Hawk Walk around the farm centre




What's Included

  • Choice of a one hour hawk walk or a three hour bird of prey experience
  • Plenty of opportunities to handle and fly the birds from the glove under the guidance of an expert falconer
  • You will form part of a group of up to 8 participants

Hawk Walk

  • Get up close and personal with a team of Harris Hawks
  • Take a leisurely walk around the Derbyshire countryside
  • Handle and learn about the birds, flying them to the glove
  • Sessions last one hour

Bird of Prey Experience

  • Fly a selection of hawks, falcons and owls
  • Gain a better knowledge of birds of prey
  • Hands on flying to the glove
  • Sessions last approximately 3 hours

More great falconry activities on our main falconry section .

What Can I Expect

There's no need to get your wings in a flap, you're going to really enjoy meeting the birds of prey in Derbyshire! With a choice of either an introductory Hawk Walk, or the three-hour Birds of Prey course, there's something to suit all ages.

Ben Breward is a highly experienced falconer who rears, trains and handles his extensive collection of birds at this Derbyshire garden centre near Risley. You'll get the chance to meet some of Ben's magnificent Hawks and other raptors, whilst learning about the work of a falconer and how these birds are trained.

The Hawk Walk is an excellent choice for those new to bird-handling. You will be treated to a gentle, one-hour stroll through Risley's peaceful woodland accompanied by a Harris Hawk.

These majestic birds are popular across the northern hemisphere for hunting and flying displays and will happily alternate between perching on your gloved hand, alighting on high-up tree branches and swooping gracefully down, their keen eyes constantly on the look-out for prey.

The Birds of Prey session offers a more in-depth introduction to falconry. The Derbyshire team will give you some key information about the different types of birds, including owls, hawks and falcons. You'll also get the opportunity to fly one or two birds to the glove, which is a truly breathtaking experience, as the graceful raptor swoops back in towards your outstretched, gloved hand.

Sink your claws into one of these full-feathered birds of prey experiences in Derbyshire. The garden centre at Risley is really rather lovely, as it’s just a short wing-flap away from the A52 and M1! Isn’t it time you met these gorgeous predators?

Availability

  • Available on selected weekends throughout the year
  • Sessions are generally available from 11:00

Location

  • Derbyshire Risley
  • 8 miles east of Derby with easy access from the M1, J25

Suitable For

  • Minimum age 7
  • Under 16s must be accompanied by a participating adult

Spectators

  • Spectators are welcome to attend with a fee of £10 per person

Anything Else

  • Suitable outdoors clothing and good strong boots (wellingtons in the winter) are recommended at all times
  • On site there is a coffee shop, garden centre, toilets and a Petting Zoo

Reviews

5 out of 5 stars

Average Rating: 5
Total Reviews: 5

Find out what other customers think of the experience

Reviews

  based on 5 reviews

Rating: 5 stars
Melanie Supperstein
It was a privilege to handle such a beautiful bird. Hayley, our handler was very knowledgeable and ...
Rating: 5 stars
Rita Preece
I had the MOST awesome time! I would definitely (and have already) recommend this to everyone I can...
Rating: 5 stars
Mrs Janet Mathers
A really wonderful experience. Lovely, friendly, knowledgeable guy who clearly knew his birds. He...
Rating: 5 stars
Jeff Holden
This was an interesting experience, very informative. Very good for not only the participant but al...
Rating: 5 stars
JACK CHRISTIAN
It was great to get so near to the birds, hands-on in most cases. And the falconer was so enthusis...