Discover birds of prey experiences in Wales

Rhayader, Powys, Mid Wales, LD6 5BL

Gigrin Farm was the first place in Mid Wales to really attract red kites (Milvus milvus), or Barcud Coch as we call then in Welsh, by putting out food for them every day. There were once only a couple of breeding pairs left in Mid Wales as they had been driven towards extinction. Thanks to the red kite centre, the population has grown massively and they're now a common sight in the skies over Mid and North Wales. Keep your eyes peeled for their distinctive forked tail! Find out more about return of the red kite at Gigrin Farm.

Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3AB

Natural Resources Wales manage the Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre, near Aberystwyth. The centre is a great family day out with dedicated trails for mountain bikes, runners, walkers and horse riders, and a lovely café and visitor centre. Bwlch Nant yr Arian has been a red kite feeding centre since 1999. Follow the easy access Barcud Trail to get the best views for the daily kite feeding, which is next to the lake.

National Botanic Garden of Wales, Middleton Hall, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8HN

Entry to the impressive British Bird of Prey Centre is included when you buy a ticket to the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Here, you'll find a wide range of carefully designed aviaries to wander round, full of captive-bred native raptors, including eagles, red kites, peregrine falcons and owls. There are usually three flying shows a day, giving all the birds a chance to stretch their wings outdoors. If you've ever wanted to learn how to fly a raptor or an owl, their flying experiences (extra cost) are suitable for all ages and abilities, and can be adapted to individual needs.

Llwyn Celyn, Adfa, Newtown, Powys, SY16 3DG

Falconry Experience Wales is a birds of prey conservation and education centre based in Mid Wales, with over 30 years experience caring for these incredible birds. The falconry centre is home to peregrine falcons, lanner falcons, harris hawks, kestrels, eagles, owls, and of course, native red kites and buzzards. Visit them to see stunning falconry displays, take part in bird encounters, and find out how they support conservation, rehabilitation and reintroducing rare species back to Wales.

Pantcefnffordd Farm, Penderyn, Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF44 9JR

Head to the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) for the Wings of Wales bird of prey experience. The birds being cared for here include an endangered African griffon vulture, eagles, eagle-buzzards, owls and an Australian boobook. The team has worked on birds of prey conservation all over the world, and now share their vast knowledge through falconry displays, experience days and conservation talks.

While you can't 'meet' our ospreys in person, there are several places in Wales where you can see them flying in the wild. Once extinct in Wales, these powerful fish-eating birds of prey have been re-introduced in more remote areas of our country. Ospreys migrate from Africa to breed, usually spending time in the UK between March and September before heading back to warmer climes for winter. 

Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve near Machynlleth, Glaslyn Ospreys near Porthmadog, and Llyn Brenig Lake and Visitor Centre near Corwen have purpose built nesting towers. They provide binoculars and telescopes so you can take a closer look at the nests. You can also watch live action from these nests online via webcams. These brilliant organisations have successfully supported osprey pairs to raise families for many years now. You might also spot ospreys flying high above Llyn Clywedog near Llanidloes, where a pair nest in the native woodlands of Hafren Forest.

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