Author: Derek Hartshorne

Seen here receiving her Raptor Awards Certificate, Charlotte Ness is full of praise for the support she received during her studies at the Kielder Forest Bird of Prey Centre. “I had an amazing experience” said Charlotte, “Ray and Cath treated me like family and were so supportive with the course …

A new searchable database of professional falconers is launched. The directory lists Professional Falconers in the UK and elsewhere who meet high welfare standards and who are subject to quality assurance processes through the IRBPP Register. 15 categories including Bird Control, School Visits, Certificated Training and much more are listed …

From April 14th Candidates completing Raptor Awards certification will be able to study a new module “Flying unrestrained birds of prey”. This brings the total number of modules in the series to nine. The full suite of modules now includes: Accommodation and equipment, Feeding and nutrition, Monitoring and maintaining health, …

Date: Thursday 2nd May 2019 Location: Midlands venue Contact us for further information (application process applies)

We are pleased to be able to confirm that due to popular demand we have now arranged a further professional training event for businesses facing licensing under the new Animal Activities Licensing Regulations. Held at a convenient central location close to major motorway links, this is a full day’s preparation …

DEFRA has updated the following guidance documents: Selling Animals as Pets here: Guidance for Selling Animals Oct2018 Procedural Guidance for Local Authorities here: Procedural Guidance Oct 2018 The guidance notes for exhibiting animals remains the same at the time of publication here: Guidance for Exhibition of Animals July2018

We are receiving phone calls and queries almost daily from Pest Controllers who use birds of prey for bird deterrence asking if they need to apply for a licence under the new regulations coming into force this week. In short – you don’t  BUT ONLY if your activities are confined …

“Raptor Awards is extremely pleased to have been able to support Project Lugger with a donation from our funds this year. Sadly, this delightful little falcon is in serious decline in its natural environment, and is desperately in need of help”. If you feel able to support Project Lugger please …

After month’s of work and direct contact with DEFRA, Raptor Awards is now offering a training day for bird of prey businesses requiring a licence. The new regulations became law in April 2018 and the implementation date of 1st October is rapidly approaching. Spaces are strictly limited. More information….