We are really happy to say we have reopened. We can again allow you the (hopefully) enjoyable opportunity to discover the lives of birds of prey here at the centre. There are a few changes to layout and procedures in place to ensure your visit is suitably safe for both yourselves and our birds and staff.

Yes social distancing is necessary. Government guidelines do apply. If you have or are living with those who have symptoms we wish you good health, but please don't visit. If you have had suspected contact with someone with Coronavirus please do not visit. If you are shielding or feel uncertain about visiting please wait until you can visit safely with confidence.

There will be no 4:30 displays this year. So just the 3 displays at the usual 11:30, 1:30 & 3:00 times. Please bear in mind if it's a hot, sunny day, hopefully we haven't had them all for this year during lockdown, there will be more shade later in the day. Doors will open again from 10:30, but last entry will be earlier at 3:00 with the centre closing to visitors at 4:30. The car park has to be vacated at 5pm.

There currently will be no food or drink for sale at the centre. There is a kiosk at the garden centre and the Batsford Arborertum garden terrace cafe is now open. No food is to be consumed in the centre, drinks though will be allowed. 

Some of the bird handling experiences are now available to book. If you have an existing voucher then please contact us for availability. For the keen photographers amongst you, we will soon start providing a photograph opportunity experience. Details will follow.

Lots of cleaning has taken place and will be done through the day. Toilets are available and will be regularly cleaned. Wash your hands (as you do anyway!), use hand sanitiser, social distance whilst queuing. Minimising touching especially in the shop. Children are to be supervised. 

Contactless card payment where possible.

Follow instructions, give people space, enjoy what we can do, be inspired and it will be great to see you again. 

We are very much happy that we can reopen and thank you for your continued support.

NB The chick in the photograph is a Red-backed Hawk who hatched here at the centre during lockdown.

On 29th May 1988, Cotswold Falconry first opened its doors to the public, slightly earlier than the advertised date of 1st June! 32 years later, although temporarily closed due to Covid-19, the centre is still going strong. This picture of Geoff was taken back in 1988.

The beginning of 2020 has seen the arrival of new birds, such as a Chimango Caracara, Great Horned Owl and Milky Eagle Owl (pictured). Other birds have arrived to join the flying team. Including Spud, the Common Kestrel and Jack, the Jackal Buzzard - the oldest bird in our flying displays at 20 years of age. Keep an eye out for these new birds the next time you visit!

We may be closed at the moment due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it hasn't stopped the birds from building nests and laying eggs. Our Crested Caracaras, African Goshawks and Black-chested Buzzard-eagles are currently sitting on eggs. But the first chicks (pictured) of the 2020 breeding season to hatch belonged to our Bald Eagle pair, Wotan and Sioux.

Two of our eagles have recently been paired up. Rob, our female Golden Eagle, has been paired with an adult male called Arnie (pictured). Additonally, our male Steppe Eagle, Gene has been getting to know his new partner, Surenna, who arrived at the centre earlier this year. Both pairs are getting on very well and it is looking promising for successful breeding in the future.