What Can I Expect

Family-run birds of prey fun near Horsham in West Sussex! We're offering vouchers for a trio of falconry sessions including the one-hour taster, the half day and the full-day experience at the wonderful location of Sumner’s Ponds.

The 'Rangle' taster experience (which refers to the teeny stones fed to birds of prey to aid digestion) is perfect for all ages from eight years, as it gives you an insight into the world of birds, with plenty of time to meet and fly several species too within your one-hour session.

By far the most popular is the half day 'Gauntlet' experience for 12 years and over. The name makes reference to the gloves that falconers wear to handle the birds when they land on their hand. During your half-day visit you'll learn all about flying raptors and finding out how such gloves are not only there to protect you from those beaks and claws, but also serve as a perch.

Then there's the 'Yarak' full day experience at this idyllic centre on the working farm in West Sussex. A bird 'at yarak' means they are in peak condition both physically and mentally, making it a formidable hunter. The day gives you the most in-depth look at the work of a falconer on a day to day basis.

Indeed every bird has its own character. Take for example Bamu, the cheeky African Spotted Eagle Owl who loves to plane watch, so much so that she has been known to fall backwards off her perch!

And we have to mention the location near Horsham for these fantastic birds of prey experiences. It’s a working farm, with fishing lakes and camp site, surrounded by woodlands and fields, with a fab lakeside cafe too. Perfect for a post-falconry cuppa and cake!

When Is It Available

• Selected weekdays and weekends between February and November
• Dates and session times are subject to availability and weather conditions
• Full day experiences generally start at 10:15 am finishing around 4:15 pm, this experience only run on specific dates throughout the year

Suitable For

• 'Rangle' Minimum age 8
• 'Gauntlet' Minimum age 12
• 'Yarak' Minimum age 16
• Under 16s must be accompanied by a participating or spectating adult

Spectators

Anything Else

You are Advised to Wear

• Warm / Waterproof clothing in neutral ‘country’ colours
• Long sleeves are recommended, even on warm days
• Walking boots or sturdy, waterproof footwear
• Hats & Gloves etc. (even if the weather is good at the outset, it can suddenly deteriorate)
• Birds of Prey do not like strange dogs - please leave your dog at home or a member of your party can take the dog for a walk on the paths at the farm