About the Park
The park is situated on the side of a hill. The effort of walking to the top of the site is rewarded by spectacular views over the Churnet valley with Ipstones being visible in the far distance.
The History
The Falconry Centre was first opened to the public in 2006 and now has one of the largest collections of birds of prey in the country. It is an ideal place for visitors to see and learn about the birds
Welcome to Kingsley Bird & Falconry Centre
Nestled on a hillside overlooking the beautiful Churnet Valley, a “little piece of heaven” is taking shape for a couple who have invested the last seven years of their lives on an incredible project. Their task has been to transform a 30-acre site, much in need of some tender loving care, into a unique habitat for some very special birds. In a delightful woodland setting, visitors can now marvel at the sight of rare and spectacular owls and birds of prey from around the world. They might choose to join a guided tour, experience supervised one-to-one handling or spend a half day learning about falconry, but whatever the option, visitors leave in awe of these majestic birds and cannot fail to be impressed when they hear of the dedication of a very determined couple of conservationists.
“It’s hard to believe that such a dilapidated property in acres of neglected land could become what it is today” says Gareth Lord who, alongside his wife Melanie, has transformed the site into what is now known as Kingsley Bird and Falconry Centre.
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Kingsley Bird & Falconry Centre are looking forward to the opening of our 13 Acre Nature Trail through the Churnet Valley SSSI at Easter 2010.
Visit our Tea Room
Visit our Tea Room and Shop
Walkers, cyclists and those visiting the wildlife park are welcome
The tea room serves
both hot and cold drinks together with cakes, sandwiches, Ice Cream and other Tasty
snacks.
A wide range of gifts and educational material are also on sale.
We are aware that many people come to visit our centre whilst they are on holiday and therefore live quite a distance away.
As we are always improving the centre and adding new attractions keep up to date with things and sign up for our Bi monthly newsletter, this is free.
Previously run first as an animal sanctuary and then as a wildlife park, the facility had become sadly run down after the last owners left. The reconstruction of the property and land became an all-encompassing challenge for Gareth and Melanie. Throughout the transformation Gareth, who runs a landscaping and window cleaning business, and Melanie, a primary school teacher with a background in ecology, have continued to work full-time to finance the project, spending every spare hour on their goal. They are assisted by Samantha Russell, an experienced wildlife keeper, and a small group of volunteers, but they are always happy to welcome more volunteers. Gareth who has won world and international prizes showing British birds has put his “showing” days on hold in order to concentrate on running the Centre. “People have always been able to see the potential of the site but no-one over the last few years was ever willing to take it on as a going concern. We both work all week to provide the funds for running the centre. It isn’t a charity so it is more than a challenge to run this place” says Gareth.
OPEN DAY’s 2010
Open Weekends all year
10.30am - 5.30pm
Special Winter Night Tours every Saturday at 7pm
Guided Tours on the hour from: 11am
7 Day Opening:
13th - 21st Febuary
27th - March -11th April
29th May - 6th June
17th July - 5th September
23rd - 31st October.
Why not buy for someone special a Bird Experience Voucher.
These Vouchers will delight young and old and make the perfect gift for that special occasion.
For prices and full information please call.