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Learning
Education and Group Visits
At Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens, we have the landscape and facilities to be able to offer you and your children a wide range of experiences which will, in turn, support home learning, confidence building and communication development.
Home Education
One to two sessions will be planned for each month, and will in most cases relate to the seasonal context; for example, wreath making at Christmas, Lambing in March etc. The activities are designed to give both the student and adult a fulfilling experience together. Other activities may include:
- Nature walks
- Bird of Prey handling
- Animal keeping
- Farm tours
- Gardening & plant identification
Prices vary depending on activity and materials needed, however the usual rate stands at £5 per child and £2 per adult.
Sessions are advertised in advance on our Facebook and Twitter pages:
KMC Animal Park Education
@KMC_ParkEd
PLEASE NOTE THAT ON MONDAYS, HOME EDUCATION FAMILIES ARE OFFERED HALF PRICE ENTRY*.
*Term time only; no identification required if children over 4 years of age. Please contact us for more information: 01305 215003 or laura.hewett@kmc.ac.uk
Special Senses
We can offer fully supported interactive visits which allow SEN students and individuals to engage fully with their surroundings – all ages are certainly most welcome. These visits will help build their confidence which will lead towards important life skills. Every visit is planned and personalised to your specific requirements and fully supports the needs and interests of each person. An example of your day may include:
- An introduction to the Park & Gardens designed to familiarise everyone with the farm environment.
- A sensory tour involving various objects, animals or images relating to the park and surrounding environment, allowing the participants see, touch and experience them up close!
- Discuss how these objects make us feel and relate what we experience to how the objects fit in to their context.
Depending on the seasons, weather and class size, we can tailor the visits to ensure that they run as smoothly as possible. A detailed plan can be provided in advance so all participants have an expectation of their day and alterations can be made to accommodate everyone.
- £50 for a 1-2-1 session
- £25 per person (2-4)
- £10 per person (5-10)
- £8.00 per person (11-35)
(where applicable, carers and teachers/helpers go free)
Experiences
1 hour Hawk & Owl Pre-Booked (Experience & Entrance)
Take a stroll through the stunning Kingston Maurward landscape in the company of one of our beautiful Harris’ Hawks. Meet the handsome young Loki, the Bengal Eagle Owl. Sturdy footwear recommended!*
- Adult: £50
- OAP: £45
- Child: £40
Included: Hot drink on arrival; approx. 1 hour flying/handling experience; entrance to the Animal Park & Gardens; spectators pay for entry on day
Introduction to Birds of Prey Experience Day (Experience & Entrance)
(10am-3pm) – £150
- Learn about the history of birds of prey in captivity
- Discover just how special these animals are, inside and out with a brief exploration of their biology and health
- Experience first hand the grace and power of the hawk in flight
- Meet the handsome Bengal Eagle owl, and unravel just how different owls and raptors really are
- Enjoy a light lunch and when your experience is over, why not explore the rest of our stunning park and gardens?
Please be aware that experience are by pre-booking only. Experiences are weather dependent and availability dependent on dates. Please call 01305 215003 or email laura.chatton@kmc.ac.uk. Deposits taken prior to day.
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Bird of Prey Birthday Parties (ages 8-16 years):
- 5-10 children: £8 per child; £4.00 per adult
- 11-15 children: £6 per child; £4.00 per adult
- 16-20 children: £5 per child; £4.00 per adult
Included: approx. 1 hour flying/handling experience and talk; entrance to the Animal Park & Gardens; hot drink on arrival for adults; bag of animal food for each child; available only when pre-booked
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Photography Experience (2 hours):
- 5-10 participants: £15 per person
- 11-15 participants: £12 per person
- 16-20 participants: £10 per person
Included: flying/handling/photography opportunities with all birds; hawk walk (subject to conditions – see above); entrance to the Animal Park & Gardens; available only when pre-booked
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External visits – let us come to you!
- Large Fairs/Shows – static displays: £150 per day
- School Visits – hawk talk & demonstration – £50 per hour plus mileage*
- Care Home Visits – group meets or individuals – £75 per hour plus mileage*
- Parties – hawk talk & demonstration (1 hour) – £75
*mileage charged at 45p per mile
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Tailored packages are also available – contact us with your requirements!
To book or to discuss details: events@kmc.ac.uk or call 01305 215003
Courses
Qualification – College Certificate
Course Content
Session 1 (Getting to know your birds)
Birds of Prey – what are they?
Species identification
Session 2 (Training begins)
Handling, weighing & feeding
Session 3 (Flying free)
Flying, training & tracking
Course numbers: max. 12 / min. 3 (contact us for availability)
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Hawk Keeping Course
3 x 3 hour sessions over 3 weeks = £200 per person
First Course:
Thursdays – 19th April, 26th April & 3rd May 2018
11am-2pm (inc. lunch)
Second Course:
Thursdays – 31st May, 7th June & 14th June 2018
11am-2pm (inc. lunch)
Owning a bird of prey is becoming ever-popular in present times, and it is often the case that people will go into it with truly understanding the time and patience needed to look after these beautiful animals.
Joining our experienced handlers and trainers here at Kingston Maurward will allow you to gain confidence and knowledge, perhaps to go on to consider owning a bird of prey, but maybe just to understand them a little better.
This extended course includes lunch and will be focused towards a complete beginner’s level.
Qualification – College Certificate
Session 1 (Getting to know your birds)
- Birds of Prey – what are they?
- Species identification
- Laws & legislation
- Anatomy & physiology
Session 2 (Training begins)
- Obtaining a bird of prey
- Weight management
- Health & health checking
- Accommodation
- Initial training
Session 3 (Flying free)
- Creance work
- Free-flying
- Lure work (falcons)
- Out in the field
- Tracking and a telemetry system
Course numbers: max. 12 / min. 3 (contact us for availability)