Welcome to Buteo Falconry and Sanctuary
and our incredible journey towards conserving all 28 species of the Buteo genus.
Who we are and what are our aims.
Buteo Falconry and Sanctuary is a DBS‑checked, family‑run small business devoted to the conservation and education of birds of prey. We offer a variety of hands‑on experiences, structured courses and public meet‑and‑greet events tailored both for members of the public and for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. Our team pride themselves on being professional, accommodating and passionately committed to sharing these magnificent birds with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Education and training form the cornerstone of our work. We deliver carefully structured courses in partnership with Raptor Awards, maintaining the highest standards of tuition, safety and practical experience. These accredited pathways help participants develop genuine skills and recognised qualifications in raptor husbandry, handling and welfare.
We also work closely with local colleges to support the next generation’s ambitions and career development. Through placements, collaborative projects and hands‑on workshops, students gain invaluable real‑world experience working directly with birds of prey and learning practical conservation techniques that will serve them throughout their future careers.
Every experience at Buteo Falconry and Sanctuary is designed with welfare, safety and conservation at its heart. Whether you’re booking a private encounter, enrolling on a course, or arranging a bird‑themed celebration, you’ll receive expert guidance and a memorable, safe encounter that fosters lasting respect and deeper understanding of these extraordinary creatures.
Our aim is to create lasting knowledge and awareness of Buteo buzzards — to illuminate their natural history, ecological importance and the conservation challenges they face. We educate the public about what these birds need to survive and thrive, explaining habitat requirements, threats and practical conservation actions people can support. By sharing clear, evidence-based information we hope to inspire informed appreciation and advocacy for these species.
We provide experiences that many people would not otherwise have: close but responsible encounters, guided flying displays, and interpretive talks that bring people face-to-face with the intelligence, skill and unique behaviours of Buteo species. These experiences are designed to deepen understanding, foster respect and create emotional connections that motivate conservation.
Our work is driven by love and respect for buzzards. We care for individuals requiring rehabilitation, support captive-breeding and husbandry best practice, and collaborate with researchers and conservation partners to contribute to wider scientific knowledge. Education, welfare and conservation are central to everything we do.
Looking ahead, our ambition is bold but focused: to become the world’s leading bird of prey establishment for Buteo species, ultimately housing every single Buteo species in one place. This will allow unparalleled opportunities for comparative study, public education and ex-situ conservation. As we grow, we will continue to prioritise high welfare standards, responsible husbandry, legal and ethical compliance, and strong partnerships with conservation organisations globally.
Join us in celebrating these remarkable raptors — together we can protect their futures, share their stories, and ensure that buzzards remain an integral part of our natural world.
What we offer
Describe important details like price, value, length of service, and why it’s unique. Or use these sections to showcase different key values of your products or services.
Basic service:
This 1 day course will offer the learner an insight to falconry this will include weighing, handling and flying birds of prey including owls and buzzards.
Price: £120.00
Describe important details like price, value, length of service, and why it’s unique. Or use these sections to showcase different key values of your products or services.
Standard service:
This course is for 3 days and is aimed at someone with basic knowledge of falconry. This course is great for someone wanting to own and fly their own bird of prey. During these 3 days, you will learn the following things history and background, appropriate housing, handling, maintaining the birds overall health and well being, nutrition and using GPS tracking system.
Price: £360.00
Describe important details like price, value, length of service, and why it’s unique. Or use these sections to showcase different key values of your products or services.
Specialist training:
5 day, professional course working with online theory through Raptor awards, you will complete online C1-C9 through the provider and then complete practical training here at Buteo falconry, this is an intensive course that will teach you, housing, equipment making , safe flying techniques and bird care, upon completing you will gain a fully recognised qualification.
Price: £545+ raptor awards course fee.
We offer a comprehensive health check for all birds, together with consultations and ongoing support for you and your bird of prey. Whether you have a query, concern or question, our experienced team will provide informed advice and practical solutions tailored to your bird’s needs.
Services include:
Full clinical health assessments, including weight, plumage, musculoskeletal and respiratory checks
Diagnostic sampling and interpretation where required
Behavioural and husbandry consultations to optimise welfare and performance
Advice on diet, exercise and conditioning programmes
Replacement of damaged equipment and routine maintenance, including greasing and inspection of jesses, swivels, leashes and other tack
Record-keeping and certifications necessary to demonstrate compliance with international and occupational standards for raptor welfare
All work is carried out to the highest professional standards, ensuring welfare requirements are met and your equipment remains safe and reliable. Contact us to arrange an appointment or to discuss specific needs for your bird.
Experiences
We prioritise genuine inclusivity in every experience we offer. To ensure every booking is accessible and welcoming, we tailor sessions to individual needs and make reasonable adjustments wherever required.
Our team are highly experienced and carefully trained: all staff hold enhanced, up‑to‑date DBS checks and bring over 15 years’ experience working with some of the most vulnerable people. This specialist experience is a key point of difference for us.
Our birds are well accustomed to both children and adults. We routinely run SEN sessions and maintain a selection of birds particularly suited to guests who are curious but may feel apprehensive. Every session is delivered with patience, clear communication and attention to comfort and safety, so participants can enjoy a rewarding, confidence‑building encounter with birds of prey.
We can accommodate weddings, parties, corporate events, school visits, one‑to‑one experiences and more. If you have a specific requirement not listed here, please get in touch — we’ll happily work with you to create a memorable, bespoke experience tailored to your special occasion.
There are many ways in which you can support us and our amazing work.
Visit and attend our experiences
Book a flying experience or guided visit to meet our birds and learn about conservation, rehabilitation and husbandry. Your visit fees directly support daily care and sanctuary operations.
Bring friends, family or colleagues for a memorable and educational day out.
Become a member or regular donor
Set up a monthly donation to provide reliable, ongoing funding for food, veterinary care and enclosures.
Sponsor a bird or project
Sponsor one of our residents or contribute to specific projects such as aviary improvements, release programmes or veterinary equipment. Sponsorships include regular updates and photos.
Volunteer your time and skills
Volunteer roles include bird care assistants, maintenance, visitor hosts, education support and administration. We welcome people with a range of skills and offer training.
Corporate volunteer days are available for team-building while supporting the sanctuary.
Support our education and outreach
Book an outreach presentation for your school, community group or corporate event. Fees help fund our education work and conservation partnerships.
Shop at our gift shop
Purchases from our on-site and event stalls help fund sanctuary needs. Choose ethically sourced, bird-themed gifts and useful items for supporters.
Fundraise on our behalf
Organise your own fundraiser — sponsored walks, community events, bake sales, or online crowdfunding. We can provide materials and advice to help promote your event.
Leave a legacy
Include the sanctuary in your will to make a lasting contribution to conservation and animal
How to help and support us
Scan me to donate
Contact us:
For all enquires of to book with us, please use any of the following methods, and we will get back to you promptly.
Email:
phone:
07854341525 (Ross) general enquires and bookings
07805575813 (Harriett) for emergencies only
Follow us on Facebook:
How to find us:
Address: 5 Western Road, Cradley Heath B647EW
If you find a lost or injured bird of prey, please use the contact details mentioned, and we can support.
For all other injured animals or birds, please contact your local vets.
