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The National School of Falconry is based in Cumbria, in the English Lake District and is run by Gary Worley and Gill Cree who have over 34 years practical experience of the art of falconry. Falconry is 'the hunting of wild quarry in its natural habitat with trained birds of prey' and The National School of Falconry is dedicated to the preservation, conservation, and protection of falconry, birds of prey and the environment in which the sport is practiced, including the quarry species. It is the aim of the school to achieve this by creating conscientious, capable and informed falconers to be custodians of this most ancient art for future generations.
ContactVarious courses and hunting days are offered by the school, from basic bird of prey association days to advanced falconry courses and from a days rabbit hawking to hunting holidays at Grouse with falcons. Courses and hunting days can be tailored to suit the individuals needs with courses available throughout the year and hunting days available within the relevant seasons. Residential courses are held at the picturesque farmhouse 1 mile from the small village of Cark in Cartmel.
Accommodation
Accommodation comprises of comfortable twin bedrooms with shared bathroom (unfortunately there are no en suite rooms).
The farmhouse has an attractive dining room and after a hard days falconry you can relax in the comfortable lounge in front of the open log fire.
You will find a warm friendly atmosphere at the school and Gary and Gill hope to make your stay as enjoyable, relaxing and informative as possible.
The National School of Falconry has held a summer camp for children since 1995, and due to its popularity it has now become an annual event.
Children from all over the UK and Europe have attended the camp where they learn not only about Birds of Prey and Falconry but also about teamwork and friendship.
There are only a limited number of places available for the camp so early booking is essential.
Bird of Prey Association Day
This is a one day experience designed to give students the opportunity to extend their knowledge of these magnificent birds.
The day begins at 10.30 am with a brief lecture and discussion period covering the various species of Birds of Prey, their natural habitat, quarry, conservation and a brief insight into their use in the 'Art of Falconry'. Throughout the morning as much practical 'hands-on' experience as possible is incorporated and students are given instruction in how to carry, handle and fly the birds correctly and safely.
The afternoon is spent flying some of the birds free in the countryside surrounding the school and the day concludes at approximately 4:00 pm.
An Introduction to Falconry
This two day course is designed to give you a realistic insight in to falconry and its related studies. It will be of interest to those contemplating taking up the sport of falconry as well as offering a holiday with a difference to those who would like a relaxing break in the countryside.
Students will be given experience of flying and handling both hawks and falcons and with the aid of two short lectures and a video, students will receive instruction in the very different techniques employed in the hunting and training of the various species of Buzzards, Hawks and Falcons.
Day one concentrates on the Buzzards and Hawks and day two concentrates on the Falcons. As with all our courses, the emphasis is on gaining as much practical 'hands-on' experience as possible.
Course days begin at 10:30 and conclude at approximately 4:00 pm.
Basic Course in Falconry
This is a five day course designed to give a realistic insight into the ancient 'Art of Falconry' for those who are seriously considering acquiring a bird of prey.
Students are given advice on choosing the correct species of hawk or falcon according to their specific circumstances. They receive instruction in how to train a bird of prey ready for hunting, including a study of the habits and habitat of the quarry species and the choice and use of dogs.
Students are taught about the various forms of housing, diet, health and welfare of their hawk as well as common ailments. They are also given instruction in the law governing birds of prey.
The techniques used in making certain pieces of equipment will be shown and students may take these away at the end of the course.
Course days begin at 10:30 am and conclude at approximately 4:00 pm with at least one afternoon spent hunting with the hawks.
For centuries all over the world man has been long captivated by the incredible skill of the hunting Bird of Prey. From the speed of a Peregrine Falcon stooping at Grouse to the awesome power of a Goshawk flying from the fist at Pheasant. 'The National School of Falconry' can now offer you the opportunity to experience first hand this most dramatic and spectacular sport amidst some of Britains most beautiful and picturesque countryside.
Longwing
The ultimate longwing hunting experience must be the spectacle of watching the expertise of the Peregrine Falcon stooping at breathtaking speed at seemingly unassailable Grouse.
The Peregrine Falcon can also turn her talents to less traditional quarry such as Pheasant, producing equally spectacular flights in a completely different environment.
Hunting Rooks and Crows demands the specific talents of the Sakers and Hybrids, who employ their own special abilities to produce remarkable flights at this illusive quarry.
We can offer Longwing hunting at :-
Shortwing
With her unbelievable speed and power, the Goshawk produces by far the most spectacular short wing flights at a variety of quarry. Sometimes twisting her way through seemingly impenetrable cover, at other times overpowering her quarry in mid-air.
Harris Hawks are one of the most popular short wings used in Falconry today because of their unique character and temperament which belies their extremely effective hunting ability.
We can offer short wing hunting at :-
HUNTING GROUND
The National School of Falconry has over 150,000 acres of prime, well stocked, hunting grounds offering a wide variety of quarry and our Grouse Moors in particular are some of the very best in the United Kingdom. The emphasis with all our Hunting packages is maximum 'hands-on' experience for all participants, with the comfort of expert guidance at all times from one of our team of professional falconers.
We are also able to arrange hunting days for those falconers who wish to fly their own hawks or falcons over our extensive hunting grounds.
For further information or to book a course or hunting day please contact:
If you have any questions or wish to make any comments then please contact us at the address and phone number above or send us an email.
mailto:NSF@darrena.clara.net
View our photo gallery which will show new pictures periodically.
Photo Gallery Page 1 - Course days (Updated 29-10-98)
Photo Gallery Page 2 - Birds bred at the school
Photo Gallery Page 3 - Breeding pairs
Links to other falconry related pages
Updated 4th January 1999 - Prices changed for 1999 and links added
