Sussex Falconry Centre Falconry Courses..
Sussex Falconry Centre have run courses for over 15 years to suit all ages and abilities from beginners to those with many years experience, from the age of 8 to 88 and beyond!!
A day course gives one the opportunity to interact with some of the most magnificent animals on the planet, a rare chance to witness close up a genuine predator doing in captivity exactly what it does in the wild. Birds are not trained to do tricks they simply mimic what comes naturally every bird on show will display its wild instincts swoop, soar, quarter, pounce, and mantle you can witness it all during your course .
Please wear warm comfortable country clothing (dark colours if possible). Our courses are very 'hands-on' and practical. We rarely book more than three students per falconer per day, (unless you are booking a private group) so there is ample opportunity to become very close up and personal with any given bird. You will have the opportunity to fly to and from the fist at least three birds and sometimes more.
A typical courses starts at 10am with a general welcome to the venue a few
safety instructions (mainly to protect the birds not necessarily the students) then swiftly on to manning, (getting a bird used to man/woman) giving you the chance to settle in with a bird and become comfortable handling a bird of prey. You will then be introduced to the first set of flying birds. There are usually three sets of flying per day, with training flights in between. Remember these are hunting birds and all birds are flown daily you will see them all in there aviary's or in flight.
We fly a wide range of birds from small Owls, to Eagle Owls, Hawks, Eagles, Vultures and a good range of Falcons, from Kestrels to Caracara's, nearly all of which you will be able to interact with. After a break for lunch there will be plenty of opportunities to have personal contact with various birds on your glove so do bring a camera to capture the moment. We also try to include in the course some of the practical elements of falconry for the more advanced student we cover basic medical care, nutrition, weight management, husbandry, making equipment, training techniques and on a Management course cover some of the legislation governing the keeping and flying of birds of prey we will also train and demonstrate imping and coping techniques to show the amount of time and commitment necessary to own and fly a bird of prey. With the correct help and training it is possible for almost anyone to own and care for one of these beautiful creatures. The course concludes around 4-30pm depending on light and weather conditions.
Once you have completed a one-day course, you then have the opportunity
to partake in hunting day's out . This can be done as part of a two or more day course, or at a later date. We hunt a range of birds, Harris Hawks, Red Tailed Hawks, Goshawks and Falcons. This is a good walk in the country and is not for the faint hearted .From there the options are unlimited treasure the one day experience or expand your knowledge to own and fly your own bird many of our students have done just that .Whatever you choose I am sure you will have an unforgettable day
(12 - 16yr olds are welcome to attend adult courses).
Click here for details of a typical itinerary for 4 Day Course
Click here to download the itineary in PDF Format
Click here to download a course 'Pre Read' on Raptor Health
Please note
Our courses come in the form of a gift voucher that is neither name nor date sensitive they can be redeemed by the holder on an agreed date all the year round, Tuesday to Sunday.
The vouchers are fully transferable and negotiable but not refundable. As such it is essential that the student presents a current voucher at the start of a course.
Please be aware the voucher itself is the only proof of payment without it you will forfeit your day.
Failure to attend on an agreed date will also forfeit the day. Courses must be booked and completed by the expiry date shown on the voucher
Courses |
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| Half day | £95 | All year |
| Full day | £129 (two for £210) | All year |
| Four day course | £475 | All year |
| Outside displays - from | £120 per hour | |
Ask for details of our - Corporate Days - Group courses - film and Photographic Sessions |
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School and other large paries by prior arrangment only please |
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If you would like more information regarding the courses, to book a day, or buy a course voucher as a present for a friend or loved one please call me (Barry) at the centre between 10am and 5pm on 01243 512472. or email
Manning: "The training of a Falcon demands great patience, complete devotion and a deep knowledge of psychology. Essentially, the falconer has to gradually build a close relationship with his falcon. Yet, this relationship is not the type associated with master and servant, but a partnership between two faithfull and loyal friends. A relationship built on trust and understanding".
Evolution of Flight
Click here to visit our Dinosaur Museum pages all about our exciting new exhibition
on the Evoloution of Flight featuring
Birds
Manned Flight
Feathers
Fossils Hunters
Contact Us
Locksacre Farm
Wophams Lane
Birdham
West Sussex
PO20 7BS
Tel: 01243-512472
Fax: 01243-512730
e-mail us: 