Here we offer beginner falconry courses. We offer advanced falconry training for more advanced falconers. You can be part of falconry workshops designed to give you the tools you need to improve your career. Get involved with bird of prey handling to help you prapare. We are offering bird of prey experience days to help tailor your learning. Join falconry classes for all ages so you can gain the skills you need to improve your knowledge. Learn falconry skills which will help you better understand and manage a bird of prey. Falconry apprenticeship programs offered at low prices, available to everyone. Be a part of helping bird of prey conservation through unique oppurtunities in learning. Falconry certification courses recognised by an independent body to improve your learning. These are unique wildlife courses available in the UK. Be a part of hands-on falconry training offered by expert falconers. Improve your learning by signing up to educational falconry experiences tailor-made for you. We are offering bird of prey rehabilitation courses so you can improve your career in the animal industry. Get experience in falconry and wildlife management through our unique learning oppurtunities. You are a part of a community of falconry enthusiasts, all willing to help you learn. Valuable falconry bird of prey techniques only available through falconry course. We offer exciting falconry training for beginners improving your future career prospects. Be a part of interactive falconry experiences brought to you with the use of video learning aides. We are just like other local falconry schools with an online learning element. If you’re interested Write to Dan Mercer for more course information.

Before bringing home a hawk or falcon, every new falconer must understand the space and housing requirements involved. Proper housing is the foundation of good welfare, and UK standards make it clear that birds must have enough room to perch comfortably, stretch their wings, and live in a safe, secure environment. Knowing the core falconry aviary requirements helps ensure you start with the right structure from the very beginning.

Your first decision is whether you will build or purchase a dedicated mews. A mews is the indoor housing where a bird rests, moults, and shelters during adverse weather. While there are many creative layouts, all good designs follow raptor housing guidelines. The exact bird of prey mews size depends on the species. For small hawks, a modest structure may be appropriate, while larger species require much more room. This is why aviary size for hawks and for falcons differ, even when the materials and overall design are similar.

Strong, sensible mews designs makes day-to-day management easier. The space should allow the bird to move without striking feathers on walls or furniture. It must be predator-proof, weather-resistant, and spacious enough to prevent stress or injury. The mews must also protect the bird from other wild animals. Over recent years there has been a nationwide issue with avian influenza, so it is vital that your housing takes biosecurity into consideration. It is important that your housing follows any housing orders put into place by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, and that your bird is protected by any potential biosecurity risks. For example, suitable shelter to prevent wild birds from defecating into the aviary. 

Another part of the setup is the weathering yard, which provides outdoor time in safe conditions. A proper bird of prey weathering area allows exposure to fresh air and natural light. Many falconers build a sheltered weathering yard so the bird can enjoy the outdoors even in variable weather. Shade, airflow, and safety are vital, which connects directly to bird of prey shade and shelter requirements. Not every falconer is required to provide a weathering yard as some may prefer to keep their birds freelofted throughout the day rather than tethered. In this case, it is important that the free loft aviary lets in sufficient sunlight and fresh air whilst also offering adequate shelter from adverse weather, such as rain and wind. 

Inside any housing setup, perches must be suitable and correctly positioned. Raptor perching requirements highlight the need for stable, comfortable, species-appropriate perches that minimise foot problems. Ensuring the bird has choices reduces stress and helps maintain good posture and foot health.

A strong structure is more than just walls and perches. A well built unit will follow recognised mews construction principles, including smooth internal surfaces, secure doors, and durable hardware. Whether you build a traditional style or go for a modern layout, it must always be a secure aviary for birds of prey. This includes attention to locks, mesh, and predator-proofing. A double door system is also advised to help minimise the risk of your bird escaping. 

Housing must match bird of prey enclosure standards, ensuring suitable insulation, ventilation, and hygiene. Airflow is vital, especially during warm periods, making proper aviary ventilation requirements an important consideration. Flooring also matters. It is recommended that your raptor aviary flooring is easy to clean, can be drained of excess water, non-abrasive and supportive of foot health.

Outdoor setups must include solid safety features. Doors should prevent accidental escapes, and the structure must be resistant to weather and predators. For many falconers, planning an outdoor mews design is the ideal way to provide both indoor comfort and outdoor stimulation.

All housing must align with UK bird of prey housing rules, which emphasise welfare, safety, and adequate space. When these rules are followed, the result is a stable, healthy environment that keeps your bird safe and comfortable throughout its life.

Creating the right aviary or mews is more than a building project. It is an essential part of falconry itself. By following recognised falconry housing welfare principles and building a structure that respects the needs of the species you keep, you set the foundation for a healthy, well balanced bird and responsible long term falconry practice.