Discover the wonderful world of raptors when you meet the birds of prey of Dorchester! This falconry centre is in a quiet spot in the village of Lewell on the edge of the stunning Purbeck Heritage Coast. A great place for the birds to live and a great place for humans to visit too!
Husband and wife team Martin and Tara saw this seven acre former nursery in Lewell and the dream was born. This motivated duo have put their heart and soul (and savings!) into this project. It’s not so much a falconry centre more a sanctuary with a bird of prey (or BOP for short) hospital and rehabilitation centre where injured raptors can be nursed back to health.
The advantage of this location near Dorchester is the tranquility. It’s the ideal natural habitat for these majestic birds and the absence of overhead power cables means large expanses of safe open spaces for them to fly. Just what the doctor ordered for a recovering bird of prey!
As well as their altruistic work the duo continue to display at shows as well as welcoming school groups and clubs. They also intend for the Dorchester base to be a place to encourage the study conservation and breeding of birds of prey. Indeed there are several endangered or rare species of bird here such as Brianna the White-tailed Sea Eagle and Robin the Hooded Vulture. And whilst they may be native to places hundreds of miles away from Dorchester they love life here in Lewell.
On these insightful experiences you’ll get to see how work is progressing at the sanctuary and meet some of the 100 residents. You might be lucky enough to be there when eggs have hatched to reveal the fluffiest wobbliest cutest balls of feathers you’ve ever seen all squeaking away for food!
But of course you’re here to actually handle and fly raptors. With so many fully trained birds itching to display their hunting and flying prowess as they swoop over the Dorchester countryside you’ll be spoilt for choice but star turns include the home-bred female Lanner Falcon and Damien the White-Backed Vulture. They are superb to work with and getting to meet them close up is a real honour and privilege.
We are offering small group sessions with the birds of prey in Dorchester and VIP family days where you and the kids will be given exclusive access to the centre to enjoy the experience as a family.
