The English School of Falconry and Bird of Prey and Conservation Centre is a family run business with over 50 years experience in Falconry. With our collection of birds growing to almost 300, we decided that it was time to open a Centre for the benefit of the general public, which is what we had been working towards for many years. We believe that we have established one of the finest collection of birds of prey in the Country.
The Centre is based in Bedfordshire in the magnificent grounds of Shuttleworth in Old Warden Park. It has been carefully sited to create a woodland setting as near as possible to the birds natural surroundings. We are home to birds from all around the Globe including Falcons, Hawks, Owls, Eagles and Vultures. Some of the birds on site are part of the World Wide Breeding Programme of rare and endangered species.
The Centre is dedicated to helping in conservation and enabling everyone to have a chance of visiting and working with these magnificent creatures.
Visit us today:
- Hands on experience with the birds.
- Have a go at flying a Hawk or an Owl (School holidays only)
- Three flying displays daily. These are at 11:30 - Owls, 1:30 Birds of the World and 3:00 Out of Africa.
- Visit our Woodland Gift Shop
- Jubilee Adventure Playground (closed on special event days)
- Picnic area, set in a scenic location.
- Walk through Barn Owl Aviary
- Restaurant
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The English School of Falconry has recently become an Approved Admin Point (AAP) for the Lantra award for beginning falconry. Having completed a course Phil and Emma Gooden are now approved assessors for the award.
The Lantra Award is now available in conjunction with our 2 and 5 day falconry courses and our 10 month evening course.
How it started
Lantra Awards and the Hawk Board have together developed and launched an award for the would-be falconers and bird of prey keepers along with Lantra SSC the Sector Skills Council for the Land Based and Environmental Sector, ensuring that it was tailored to all falconry and bird of prey keeping needs.
The award has been developed by Lantra Awards with the assistance of falconers throughout the UK, who have helped to define the body of knowledge and practical skills required. It is a formal award intended for those who are new to falconry, or those who wish to keep raptors and/or owls. The award is approved by the Hawk Board and is administered by Lantra Awards.
What the award consists of
The award assumes that candidates have no previous knowledge or experience and covers all aspects of falconry and keeping birds of prey. The award is granted to those candidates who are able to demonstrate an understanding of the relevant background knowledge, and those practical skills necessary to keep a bird of prey in a healthy and happy condition. The award consists of two units:
Unit 1Bird of Prey Management and Husbandry
Module 1 Housing
Module 2 Hygiene
Module 3 Feeding and food preparation
Module 4 Health
Module 5 Species suitability and legislation
Unit 2 Basic Falconry Techniques
Module 6 Purchasing your first bird
Module 7 Essential equipment
Module 8 Picking up and carrying
Module 9 Feeding and manning
Module 10 Weighing and weight management
Module 11 Flying to the fist
For more information on our courses and the Lantra Award please call 01767 62752
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