Our Journey: From a Dream to Reality

The story of The British Bird of Prey Centre began with a single bird—Maleki, a Harris Hawk—who found a home with Alex in 2004. What started as a hunting partnership quickly turned into something more, as Alex discovered the magic of sharing birds of prey with others. Soon, he was offering private flying experiences, and what had been a hobby slowly evolved into a part-time business—Pembrokeshire Falconry.

In 2008, fate intervened when Alex met Emma at a wedding. He introduced her to the world of birds of prey, and she was instantly captivated. After a year of long-distance travel, the pair embarked on a global adventure in 2010, but their hearts remained set on one goal—making West Wales the premier destination in the UK for bird of prey experiences.

By 2013, their passion became a full-time commitment. Emma left her corporate career to help Alex build their dream, and together they grew their small team of birds into a thriving business. Within three years, their collection expanded from just three birds to over 20, and their reputation for delivering amazing displays in Wales was firmly established.

The Present

The British Bird of Prey Centre

By 2016, Pembrokeshire Falconry had become a well-known name in the tourism industry, delivering flying displays at major attractions across West Wales. That year, their hard work was recognized with multiple awards, including:

• The Countryside Alliance Rural Oscar for The Best Tourism Enterprise in Wales

• The Radio Pembrokeshire Award for Leisure and Tourism in Pembrokeshire

• Pembrokeshire Tourism’s Best Day Out

2017 marked a turning point when Alex and Emma partnered with the National Botanic Garden of Wales to launch The British Bird of Prey Centre—the first of its kind in the UK, dedicated solely to native raptors and owls. Their mission was clear: to offer unforgettable, hands-on experiences that inspire people to appreciate and protect these incredible birds.

The Centre officially opened on 1st June 2018 and was an instant success, earning the National Tourism Award for Best Activity in West Wales within its first year. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Alex and Emma remained committed to the welfare of their birds and the safety of their team. When the Centre reopened in 2021, it saw record-breaking visitor numbers.

Emma’s leadership was further recognized in 2022 when she received the Institute of Directors, Director of the Year Award - Start-up Business.

Through it all, Alex and Emma’s vision has remained the same: to create immersive experiences that connect people with nature, inspire a love for native birds of prey, and encourage conservation efforts that protect our delicate ecosystem.

The Future:

A New Chapter

As The British Bird of Prey Centre continues to grow, exciting changes are on the horizon. In July 2025, we will be moving to a brand-new site, allowing us to expand our work in conservation, education, and immersive experiences.

Our new home will offer:

• Even more space for our birds, ensuring the highest standards of welfare

• Enhanced visitor experiences, with new interactive exhibits and flying displays

• Expanded education programs, helping schools and families learn more about native wildlife

• Greater conservation impact, supporting projects like Eagle Reintroduction Wales

This move is the next step in our journey, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our new site! Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are discovering us for the first time, we invite you to join us in this exciting new chapter.

Come along, be amazed, and experience the magic of Britain’s birds of prey like never before!