Your Journey to Falconry Starts Here: Beginner to advanced Falconry Course
Discover the art of falconry with our Falconry Course as its perfect for beginners all the way through to advanced falconers, and our training teaches raptor handling and training techniques under expert guidance to either take you from complete beginner to owning your own bird, or just improving the skills and knowledge you already have.
Join now to start your falconry journey!
Our Courses
Falconry Course offers two specialised programs, each designed to build your skills from the ground up.
The three day practical falconry course is an intensive, hands on programme designed to take students from first contact with a bird of prey through to controlled flying and basic free flight skills. Over the course, students learn safe handling, equipment fitting, knot tying, food preparation, health checks, record keeping and restraint, alongside manning techniques, hooding and weight management. Training then progresses to creance work, lure use, telemetry and tracking, finishing with supervised free flying and fitness development. Throughout the course, the emphasis is on welfare, safety and understanding why each technique matters, so students leave not just able to perform tasks, but able to make responsible decisions around birds in real working conditions.
The five day falconry course is a full foundation programme that combines in-depth theory with daily practical handling and flying. Students study accommodation design, housing standards and equipment selection, feeding and nutrition, health monitoring and routine inspections, safe catching and restraint, and the legal responsibilities of keeping and flying birds of prey. The course then moves into species selection and ethical acquisition, setting up and inspecting falconry furniture and equipment, and the core training processes of manning, hooding, weighing and motivation management. Practical training runs every day and expands from handling and creance work through to telemetry, lure use and supervised free flight. By the end of the course, students not only know how to fly a bird, but understand why each decision affects welfare, performance and legality, giving them the grounding needed to progress safely and professionally in falconry.
Visit us at the Mercer Falconry Raptor Park and demonstrate a series of tasks with our birds of prey.
Falconry Course Certification
All our courses meet the national standards set by Raptor Awards, a respected non-profit authority in falconry education. Upon completion, you earn two certificates: one from Raptor Awards and one from Falconry Course. These qualifications are recognized nationwide, demonstrating your expertise to employers and regulatory bodies. Raptor Awards certification means your training meets high professional standards. Whether you aim for a career in conservation, education, wildlife rehabilitation or pest control, having Raptor Awards certified training on your CV will give you a competitive edge.
Raptor Awards Certified: Nationally recognized bird-of-prey training certificate.
Falconry Course Certificate: Our own accreditation confirming comprehensive training.
Career Advancement: Skills and credentials that stand out on your resume.
Course Leaders
With a combined experience of 20 years working with Birds of Prey, Dan and Cerys will be with you every step of the way through the falconry course.
Dan has worked with Birds of Prey his whole career starting with a mobile business based in York before moving down to Gloucestershire and spending 2 years as a volunteer at the International Centre for Birds of Prey. He then moved back to Yorkshire to work at NCBP before settling in Derbyshire where he now runs Mercer Falconry. Dan has been involved with various associations including Organising and running the Falconry Fair and standing on the council for A Future With Falconry.
Cerys has been an animal lover her whole life and her falconry journey began whilst studying Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Chester. From there she volunteered at a variety of centres before she felt prepared to take on her bird, a kestrel in which she imprinted. Cerys now works at the Mercer Falconry Raptor Park, where she enjoys working with a range of different species and teaching members of the public about the brilliance of birds of prey.
In Partnership with Raptor Awards
We work in partnership with Raptor Awards. Raptor Awards is a not-for-profit expert body serving the Bird of Prey community. Specialising in the development of National and Occupational Standards for Bird of Prey keepers and professionals.
Falconry Course
Welcome to falconry Course, where we offer the best falconry courses UK has to explore the ancient art of falconry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, our range of falconry courses UK-wide caters to
all levels. We provide beginner falconry courses for those new to the craft, advanced falconry training for seasoned enthusiasts, and falconry workshops UK-based for hands-on learning. Our bird of prey experience days let you get
up close with majestic raptors, while our unique falconry courses UK-wide stand out with their blend of tradition and expertise.
Falconry Course
For those seeking professional credentials, we offer falconry certification courses, including falconry courses with Raptor Awards certification. These Raptor Awards certified falconry courses ensure your skills are recognized nationwide, setting a high standard in the field. From hands-on falconry training to falconry apprentice programs, we provide practical opportunities to learn to handle birds of prey under expert guidance. Our friendly falconry courses also make learning accessible and enjoyable, whether you’re a solo learner or joining with family.
Why a Falconry Course Matters Before Owning a Bird
Before bringing a bird of prey into your life, enrolling in beginner falconry courses or falconry workshops UK is essential because Falconry isn’t just a hobby, it’s a commitment requiring knowledge and skill. These courses teach you to learn to handle birds of prey safely and responsibly, covering everything from feeding to housing. Without this foundation, you risk harming the bird or violating UK wildlife laws, which mandate proper care and registration. Our hands-on falconry training emphasizes safety, legal compliance, and ethical practices, ensuring you’re fully prepared. Skipping this step could lead to stress for both you and the bird, making our falconry courses UK a critical first step.
Boost Your CV with Falconry Skills
If you aspire to work in the falconry or wildlife industry, completing our best falconry courses UK can transform your CV. Employers value practical experience, and our advanced falconry training and falconry apprentice programs offer just that. You’ll gain hands-on skills that shine in roles at bird of prey centers or conservation organizations. Adding falconry certification courses, especially Raptor Awards certified falconry courses, provides a professional edge, showcasing your expertise to potential employers. Beyond skills, these courses demonstrate dedication, a trait prized in this niche field. Whether you’re aiming for a career in pest control or education, our unique falconry courses UK equip you with a standout resume.
Meet Our Expert Course Providers
Our falconry courses UK are brought to life by passionate experts: Dan Mercer and Cerys Clarke from mercerfalconry.co.uk. Based in Nottinghamshire, known for engaging bird of prey experiences and educational visits. Hands-on falconry training sessions with hawks, owls, and falcons make learning both practical and inspiring, perfect for our friendly falconry courses. This with a focus on advanced falconry training, brings a deep knowledge to our falconry workshops UK. Together, they make falconrycourse.co.uk a top choice for aspiring falconers.
Start Your Falconry Journey Today
At falconrycourse.co.uk, we’re dedicated to offering the best falconry courses UK has to offer, blending tradition with modern expertise. Whether you choose beginner falconry courses to start your journey, advanced falconry training to hone your skills, or falconry apprentice programs for a career boost, we’ve got you covered. Join us to learn to handle birds of prey, earn Raptor Awards certified falconry courses, and experience the thrill of a bird of prey experience. With Dan and Cerys leading the way, your falconry adventure begins here!