Cotswold Falconry Centre
The thumbnails below are linked to larger pictures
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The Cotswold Falconry Centre is situated adjacent to Batsford Aboretum off the A44. It was founded in 1988 by owner Geoff Dalton with the primary aim to educate people about birds of prey and to provide a greater understanding about the art of falconry.
The centre is grouped behind a Cotswold stone building built for Lord Redesdale in the 1890's to house some of the Batsford estates stud shire horses, this has now been converted into the office, shop, weighing room, training room and night quarters amongst others.
Behind the shop we find the Owl Wood project with aviaries housing many varieties of owl, in a shaded woodland habitat. This provides conditions suitable to encourage breeding of the rarer species.
Next we visit the aviaries and weathering areas for the flying display birds. The weathering areas are where tethered birds can preen and clean themselves and watch the world go by. They also provide an ideal opportunity for the photographer who perhaps finds it difficult to catch the birds in flight (like me).
Finally we reach the flying ground where seated around the perimeter we can watch these birds of prey being put through their paces, with the reward of a dead chick for their efforts. These displays are made all the more entertaining by encouraging the birds to fly low over the spectators or allowing the birds to land on the gloved hand of a volunteer.
The Centre also runs a number of experiences including handling, flying, recognition and training, these start at one hour and extend to two days or more.
The Cotswold Falconry is a very entertaining and informative way of introducing yourself to birds of prey
| *Link to official site for viewing Visitor Information* |
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