We are so so pleased to tell you that Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre has finally opened its doors to the general public after what has been an epic period of survival, determination, new construction skills and lots of patience.
In March 2021 the centre was complete after our massive push to build it in the time scale we were given to leave our last site at Ladds. We then applied for an Animals Activities Licence which allow all our experience sessions and educational talks to take place but not to open to the public, which was immensely frustrating, not only finically but all the work that had gone into building the centre now stood unseen by the many people who had supported us. A Zoo Licence application can take a few months to complete however unfortunately the planning application for change of use took almost 8 months to complete (which should have only been an 8 week process). Once planning was issued we then had to wait for the zoo licence inspectors to visit and report their findings back to BFC. This was an adventure in itself and one of the most stressful times of this whole process, I swear you could have eaten your dinner off our work shed floor once our amazing team of volunteers had finished!!!
Finally, after almost a year and a half of waiting, Feathers and Fur Falconry has been granted a full Zoo Licence allowing the general public to come in and see the birds.
I can honestly say this whole adventure has been a mission in self-belief and patience, it was so disheartening to know that we couldn’t share our beautiful, feathered family and the day we received the licence in the post a massive negative weight has lifted from all of our hearts, so much has gone into this centre that we cant wait to continue our mission to teach about the amazing wildlife right here on our door steps and allow people to fall in love with Birds of Prey.
So please do come on down, it will be fabulous to see people on site. We are open Tuesday – Sundays with birds including Peregrine Falcons, Barn Owls, Kestrels and the magnificent European Eagle owl on show to see and learn all about. There is a small charge on the door of £4 for adults, £2 for children and £3 concessions. No booking is required to simply visit the birds, but booking is required for handling sessions such as the Half Day Bird of Prey Session and Birthday Parties.
With the rise in Bird Flu we are taking preventative steps and ask that people use our disinfection mats on entering and perhaps not visit areas with wild fowl such as ducks and geese before visiting ourselves.
Ok Im going to go and put my feet up (yer right!! Im actually off to lead this and then head out to finish flying some of the team (Olivia is out there waiting on me) and then head to Reading tonight to teach with the birds at a Girl Guide unit, but we do it because we love it ) xxxxx Sadie xxxxx