For David and Tracey Hughes, a hobby and a lifetime’s love of animals and birds has turned into a rewarding and exciting enterprise, Hawkwalk, which allows their guests to experience the fascinating world of birds of prey, and a hands-on experience like no other.

The enthusiasm for their venture, along with a keen understanding of the needs of the birds and the needs of the countryside mean that David and Tracey give a unique taste of a different way of life to their clients. David stresses that on the full day’s experience, his guests get really close to the birds, and, in the afternoon’s hunting, they are in charge of the birds: “I have my hands full with the dogs and the ferrets!” he says.

Watching the birds in flight, listening to David explaining how the birds are trained and what their individual roles are in hunting is a learning experience, made all the more special by the relationship which develops between bird and handler. Bringing the world of falconry to the public in this remarkable way is exhilarating and fascinating, a unique experience of a not-so bygone era.

Touch and handle the Harris Hawks, Widget, the Barn Owl and Boo the Eagle Owl, and learn how to tie a falconer’s knot, whilst hearing about how the birds are trained, fed and kept fit and healthy. Watch them fly free and return to the fist, and wonder at their wingspan and turn of speed. And, in the full day’s experience, take charge of your ‘own’ falcon and see how these beautiful birds hunt in the wild, making an afternoon walk to remember for a lifetime.

David and Tracey offer full and half day hands on  The full day’s experience starting with  an informal classroom talk, followed by a hands on handling and flying session and lunch at a local pub, and, in the afternoon,  guests take charge of a trained hunting hawk, walking through local fields and woods. Or there’s a half day introduction, with the classroom talk followed by the hands-on opportunity to fly the birds to the fist.

Whichever you choose, the unique experience is one which will take you back to a different and ancient past, a time of chivalry, tradition and affinity with nature.

For more information see www.hawkwalk.org or contact David on 07966 293894 or 01235 811912.  Gift vouchers available.

Q, What's a Hawk foot called?

This competition is now closed

Congratulations to Mr D, from Wallingford, and Mrs W, from Didcot