Following a successful business partnership of eight years, Picton Castle and Gardens and Pembrokeshire Falconry have recently announced the news that they are taking their working relationship to the next level by basing Pembrokeshire Falconry permanently within the grounds of Picton Castle from the start of next season.

“Pembrokeshire Falconry have been running experience days for the public within Picton’s 40-acre RHS partner gardens virtually every day over the past eight years,” commented Picton Castle’s Director, Dai Evans. “Consolidating that proven relationship by offering a permanent base is considered long overdue.”

Over the years, the experience days have flourished and are not only rated the Number 2 ‘Thing to Do’ in Pembrokeshire on TripAdvisor, but were recently awarded the 2016 Radio Pembrokeshire Leisure and Tourism Award.

Always drawing a large crowd at Picton’s Annual Spring and Country Fairs, the dedicated team at Pembrokeshire Falconry are passionate about giving everyone, whatever their age, the chance to experience the thrill of having a free flying bird of prey or owl, fly to their glove.

“We are really excited to be working with Picton Castle Trust on this amazing new venture,” added Emma Hill, one of Pembrokeshire Falconry’s directors. “Picton Castle is the perfect venue for us to fly our birds with our guests. Falconry has always played a huge part in the history of castles and stately homes since Mediaeval times, so to be able to fly in such beautiful surroundings, with the backdrop of the castle is just seamless. It makes perfect sense for the birds to now live where they fly, adding a new attraction to Pembrokeshire that will be beneficial to both businesses and the county,” she concluded.

Historically, falconry was a popular sport and status symbol among the nobles of Britain and was originally developed as a means of hunting fast or difficult prey as food for the table. However, the birds of prey used for demonstrations and experiences are trained to come to the glove for their food, so that even the untrained person can experience this incredible, ancient skill.

Safe for anyone to handle, even the tiniest of tots, the birds are all named and have their own unique personalities. Frodo, the team’s White Faced Owl, has become somewhat of a celebrity around the county. He has his own ‘show’ at Bluestone National Park Resort and regularly wins the hearts of the couples whose wedding rings he delivers! Weighing 200g, he’s a firm favourite with everyone, particularly because he sounds like a cat!

“The deal, in every sense, is considered a win, win situation.” explained Emma “It has benefits for us in terms of travel time, fuel, etc so our business is more sustainable and leaves less of a carbon footprint. For Picton, undoubtedly it will increase business and in turn employment - their footfall increased by 20 per cent alone last year. It will be a feather in the cap for Pembrokeshire Tourism - as it will be the only facility of its kind in West Wales. Visitors will love the opportunity of being able to see the birds in their aviaries - and the Visitor Centre will offer an opportunity for people to learn more about these birds.”

The gardens of Picton are famous for their wildlife as well as their collections of plants and trees and a monitoring of the effect of the birds’ presence over the years has shown that the valuable flaura and fauna have flourished - despite the additional presence of a family of wild buzzards which have taken up residence within the grounds.

Training the birds is a long and difficult process and requires patience, expertise and dedication. Picton Castle is proud to be able to showcase this ancient art and give everyone the opportunity to fly birds of prey themselves, against the backdrop of their beautiful castle and watch them swooping from the trees and gliding over colourful flowers as they stroll through the gardens

The winter months will be spent building aviaries and a Visitor Centre in Bluebell Walk and will create a new, permanent home for the birds. The centre is scheduled to open by Easter 2017.

For anyone interested in this exciting project, there will be an open meeting with a question and answer session with Pembrokeshire Falconry and the Picton Castle Trust on Wednesday, September 14, between 6 and 8 pm at Rhos Village Hall.

All Experience Days have to be pre-booked direct with Pembrokeshire Falconry. For more information on Pembrokeshire Falconry Experience days and all events at Picton Castle and Gardens, visit www.pictoncastle.co.uk or call 01437 751326.