Courses

Our unique collection of birds combined with the experienced expert handlers here at Beamish Wild Birds of Prey Conservation Centre make us the perfect place for learning more about the bird of prey species. Specialist courses available at the centre range from child-friendly fun days to complex management programmes to train those looking to own and care for their own birds of prey. Our diverse courses are ideal for corporate, educational or personal purposes, and are all soundly based on our conservational approach.

• Hawk Walk - 2 hours (£35 pp max 5 people)

 

This is a great experience for anyone who is interested in wildlife. The walk gives you the chance to handle and fly our Harris Hawks in their natural environment.

The walk will start at Beamish Wild where you will be given a briefing about the walk. You will then be given a falconry glove and your own bird before we start walking through the woodland. The hawk will follow and fly effortlessly over the hedge row, through woods, from tree to tree over the stunning grounds of Beamish Hall and around the neighbouring countryside. During this time you will be able to get involved and feel the speed and gentleness as the hawk flies to your fist. Once you walk is completed you will return to Beamish Wild where you are welcome to spend the rest of the day in and around the centre.

Should you have a desire to handle a Bird of Prey, then please ask a member of the training team and they will do their best to help with any requests that you may have.

• Owl Experience - 3 hours (£45pp max 5 people)

 

If you love Owls then this is the day for you! Get to grips with the owls in our basic starter course. Learn how they would live in the wild, prey they would eat and how they would adapt to living in their natural habitat. Also witness first hand the silence of the owls as they fly back and forth from your very own fist. The morning will be taken up with Owl handling and training, learn how to pick up Owls, fly an owl to the fist, tie a falconers knot, and learn how to weigh them.

After the handling, training and flying sessions, you then have time to have a look round the centre and see the other birds, perhaps take some photographs, or just relax.
Should you have a desire to handle a Bird of Prey, then please ask a member of the training team and they will do their best to help with any requests that you may have.

• Introduction to Falconry - 3 hours (45pp max 5 people)

 

The morning is taken up with bird handling and training, learning to pick up birds, tie the falconers knot, flying birds to the fist, handling a falcon and other birds which are avaible at the chosen time of the year. You then have a little time to have a look round and see the other birds, perhaps take some photographs, or just relax.

Should you have a desire to handle a Bird of Prey, then please ask a member of the training team and they will do their best to help with any requests that you may have.