Feathers and Fur

The most popular question asked at any falconry event is why do the birds come back? This is a free animal, in most cases one that is very capable of hunting and surviving for itself. So why return? The answer is the bond, the trust the bird has that you will not hurt it. It makes a choice to land on a fist, it is never a given conclusion that it will do so, it has free will.

This choice is a moment of magic, a snap shot of bonding and trust between man and bird. Feathers and Fur ‘s Hands on Bird of Prey Sessions offers these moments and creates memories never to be forgotten.

Taking place at Ladd’s Garden Village our half day Hands on Bird of Prey Sessions are a wonderful way to allow children, adults and families a chance to have a really close encounter with some of Britain’s stunning Birds of Prey and a few of our neighbouring countries ones too.

What’s Involved

A half day session is booked for 1 adult and 1 spectator; this allows you the opportunity to share this wonderful experience with a loved one.

Our meeting point for the half day Hands on Birds of Prey Sessions is Ladd’s Garden Village, Reading, Berkshire. Feathers and Fur has a purpose built centre within Ladd’s Garden Village where the birds are on show to the public. Here you meet the falconers and after human introductions you are introduced to all our birds.

We then have a quick safety talk and you are shown how to call and hold the birds correctly and are given a falconry glove to use for the duration of the session.

The half day session is a really hands on experience and over the 3 hours you will be introduced to  a wide variety of raptors, including the Barn Owl, European Eagle Owl, Tawny Owl, Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, Buzzard, and Harris Hawk. If you thought that was plenty you’ll then be introduced to our Red Kite. Once a very rare sight in our skies now the broad winged silhouette is a wonderful addition to the beauty of the British countryside and one that many of us are please to see souring high over us on a daily basis.

Throughout the whole session you and your spectator are welcome to take photographs and ask questions. The uniquely private sessions allows us to tailor the experience to your own unique Hands on Bird of Prey Session. Session includes tea, coffee and biscuits.

Additional spectators can be added on the day for £5 per person.

If worried that the half day session may be too long for young or older members of the family please ask about our 1 hour Hawk and Owl sessions.    

Feathers and Fur Falconry centre also invites you to use our Hands on Sessions as an unsual and new way to reward your staff or a  unique and different to entertain both new and existing clients?

Feathers and Fur can help with our range of tailor made packages to suit your specific requirements for team building days or corporate entertainment. Whether you are looking for a full days entertainment or a few hours fun, for one or two people or for an entire company, our birds and animals could well be your perfect solution.

“Just a note to say how much we all enjoyed the “flying visit”. Having been on falconry sessions before, and having more than a passing interest in the subject , I have to say that your knowledge and also the way you are able to impart that knowledge and passion to others is exceptional. Thank you once again, and hope to see you again sometime.”
Mr Ian Cole, Norgren Ltd – Lichfield

Please contact or information team to discuss your individual requirements for a fun filled experience neither you or your clients will forget!