Hawking in Wales is primarily a research facility for Oxford University's zoology department. Over the summer months we fly (and fly with) the birds to measure various aspects of their flight. In the winter the weather is rarely suitable for the instruments we need for the research so we switch to hunting with them. Hunting is obviously a bird of prey's natural occupation, so mentally it keeps them stimulated and in turn this makes them more content and easier to manage. It also gets them very fit, much fitter than simply asking them to fly for food. It is in this winter hunting period (September to February) that we can offer you the opportunity to experience the wonderful partnership of man and bird working together.
The Black Mountains in South Wales are not just a great place for Falconry and Hawking they're pretty good for watching wild raptors too. We can see Buzzards, Sparrowhawks, Goshawks, Peregrine Falcons, Kestrels, Merlins and even Red kites on a regular basis, some we see every day. For Falconry the wide open spaces, the far reaching views, and even the elevation are ideal. They mean we get to see some of natures greatest spectacles from a very special point of view. We can't guarantee you'll see the awe inspiring stoop of a wild Peregrine, but we can be pretty sure you'll see the next best thing with our trained ones.
 "Science at work. A gyr falcon fitted with a mini cam (Click to enlarge)")
 "A harris hawk flies to you in the black mountains (Click to enlarge)")