Paul Presents Feathers And Fur With Sadie Shepherd

Paul Presents Feathers and Fur with Sadie Shepherd

Since childhood Sadie has had a passion for animals and the environment, and always knew she would work with them somehow.

What follows is an amazing tale of Sadie’s life story…….

Paul Presents Feathers and Fur with Sadie Shepherd

Sadie started by studying for a National Diploma in Land and Countryside Studies at the Berkshire College of Agriculture and then went on to Devon for a Degree in Rural Resource Management.

After graduation, she moved to Somerset and this lead to her first introduction to Falconry at a small centre in the middle of Exmoor.

‘My first lesson was patience! I sat for 4 hours with a Saker Falcon on a very hard bench, but was smitten instantly’

From the centre, Sadie’s passion grew to take her around the world volunteering in America, Iceland and Africa.

In 2006 Sadie went to work for a falcon breeding centre in Derbyshire, this was a real eye-opener into the true falconry world of hunting.

Over the winter she looked to start my own business, returning to my passion for environmental education.

Hawks on Walks was launched in 2007 and successfully relocated to Shropshire where the business really took off.

From flying the Harris Hawks I realised that there is a real hole in our knowledge of British Birds of Prey and she started to really look at expanding to include these magnificent birds.

In 2009 Sadie sold Hawks on Walks and has returned to Berkshire setting up Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre now based at Moss End Garden Village.

‘I aim to introduce people to the birds that we so often glimpse at on the side of the motorway or admire as they circle and soar above us, teaching how they fit into the environment and how we can help to protect them”.

Feathers and Fur

Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre in Berkshire is a collection of Hawks, Falcons and Owls used to allow people the opportunity to experience falconry and the unique and wonderful bond between man and bird.

Based at Moss End Garden Village, Bracknell, they offer a variety of amazing opportunities from a Half-Day Hands On Experience session and Family Falconry Sessions, to the more unusual experiences such as the Family Owl Encounter or awesome Bird of Prey Birthday Parties!

The centre is also open to the general public to walk around and see the 22 Birds of Prey on site.

With education boards, activity sheets and a gift shop there is lots to learn and see.

School Talks

In today’s era of modern technology, it is often the case many children are unable to identify important aspects of their surrounding environment.

In a study of 217 seven to 16 year olds, half of all the 7 year olds failed to recognise the blackbird while none could identify the Kestrel.

Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre visits schools based in and around Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Their aim is to open the eyes and minds of young people to the wonderful world of Birds of Prey and Animals.

Encouraging children to see and care about the wildlife that is often found on their doorstep and to help learn about and conserve those that are not.

They believe that a hands on learning approach is best with the aim to allow children a once in a life time chance to see and often handle some of natures truly stunning creations.

Care Theraphy

Feathers and Fur is able to offer 1 hour sessions, bringing their birds into care homes and day centres where patients are able to really enjoy these unusual visitors.

Talks & Displays

athers and Fur talks and displays take on many styles from the formal talks for the Local Church and WI groups to the outrageous and loud Scouts and Beaver sessions. We offer tailored talks that aim to fulfil your individual needs whether it’s working towards badges in the Brownies and Scouts or just something completely out of the ordinary for a social club night.

Feathers and Fur actively encourage a full hands on experience during the talks, and all their Birds are happy to work in halls, Churches, and meeting rooms.

More often than not most group meetings take place in the evenings and they are more than happy to attend these.

The talks and handling sessions are tailored to the audience so whether its flying the birds of prey across the rooms to individuals or swooping above children laying on the floor, these are definitely a talk to talk about!

Corporate Events

Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre invites companies based in and around Berkshire to a unique and new way to reward your staff or to entertain both new and existing clients and their families.