Falconry Displays & Hawk Walks at High Beeches at High Beeches Gardens

Enjoy the sport of kings! Breck Falconry will put on two spectacular flying displays of falcons and hawks for spectators in High Beeches Garden meadows at 2.30pm and 4.30 pm on Saturday 21 April and Saturday 9 June, as well as offering the opportunity of handling these magnificent birds on the glove. Come and see the Peregrine Falcon, the fastest animal on earth, plummeting to earth at great speed; the Kestrel hovering lightly in the wind and the larger hawks and buzzards gliding effortlessly to the gauntlet. The displays are included in the normal entry price and do not need to be pre-booked.

For those interested in closer contact with these magnificent birds of prey, there will also be an opportunity to 'have a go' and fly the birds to the glove on a short walk around the gardens. The cost of flying the birds yourself is £5.00 per person and pre-booking is recommended as these walks are limited to 10 people per walk (1/2 hour walk). Please pre-book by contacting Colin Breck Boardman on info@breckfalconry.com or telephone 01424 210 348. Please note that children aged under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult and children aged 5 and under are not permitted to handle the birds.

Colin Boardman from Breck Falconry says: 'Meeting hawks and falcons up close, and learning about them and their requirements, leaves a lasting impression. We learn to care more for the animals that we meet than those that we do not see. In this modern, technological world, understanding the needs and behaviors of other species is important for their care and conservation. They give back to us a sense of our own place in the natural world'

Falconry, which is the ancient Art of training and flying birds of prey, has been practised for over 4000 years, and was the sport of kings in England for a thousand years before reaching its zenith of popularity in the 16th century. This year it is alive and well as falcons and hawks will be flying over the beautiful gardens of High Beeches this summer.

Breck Falconry also offers a choice of falconry experiences:

Fly a Hawk: £30 solo, £40 per group (max 4), £60 per group (max 10) per hour. Take a walk around the gardens accompanied by a free-flying Harris Hawk which can be called to your glove on command.

Falconry Beginner's Courses: Meet and learn about handling buzzards, hawks and falcons and take part in the flying and training procedures.
One hour: £40 per person (spectators £10).
Two hours: £60 per person (spectators £15).
Half Day: £80 (spectators £20), refreshments provided.
Full-Day: £120 (spectators £25), refreshments provided.
Birthday Party, £80 per hour: A flying display of hawks and falcons followed by handling and flying experience.

All events and courses are insured and risk assessed.
Participants under 12 must to be accompanied by a participating guardian
Children under 5 may not handle the birds.