#Ad – I was invited along to a blogger event at Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation.
Eagle Heights is a not-for-profit conservation centre based in the village of Eynsford in Kent. It’s home to one of the UK’s largest bird of prey centres, as well as a variety of other animals including meerkats, huskies, and alpacas.
Having opened in 1996, Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation has taken in many animals from the RSPCA, general public, and other rescue centres. Some of them have been injured in the wild, some abandoned by owners, and others subjected to abuse and cruelty.
The centre has created an environment for these animals to recover, rehabilitate and give them a happy and positive future. I was lucky enough to be invited along to a blogger event recently and see some of their owls up close.
At one point an owl even came and sat on the empty seat next to me! I really wanted to stroke it but obviously I didn’t, I just attempted to contain my excitement and took photos of it as quietly as I could so not to scare it away.
Paul, one of the centre’s owl trainers who presented at the event, was full of knowledge about these intriguing creatures. I’ve shared a short interview with him below for anyone interested in the owl experience at Eagle Heights.
How long have you worked at Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation?
As of October 2021, 18 months full time and for a year as a volunteer before that.
Have you always worked with owls and had a passion for them?
I’ve worked with birds of prey for the last 5 years and been a keen ornithologist since I was very young.
How many owls do you have at Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation and what breeds?
We have 11 owls ranging in size from little owl (7oz) to Siberian eagle owl (5lb 5oz).
What does the owl experience at Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation involve?
The owl experience allows you to get up close to the owls by getting them to fly to your gloved hand, and will generally be three of our display owls. This could be any of the following: barn owl, great grey, tawny, spectacled or Siberian eagle owl. If you are feeling stronger or want to, we also do an eagle experience normally finishing with a white tailed sea eagle (10lb) landing on your glove.
Are there any facts about owls that shock visitors when you tell them?
Owls have so many adaptations that many guests are unaware of but the average age between captive and wild birds generally makes guests aware of how hard the owls have it in the wild. Captive barn owls such as those living with us can live up to 25 years whilst wild ones live on average only 18 months to 2 years. 80% of wild owl deaths are due to the use of rodenticides.
What is the best part of your day working at Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation?
The whole setup is amazing at Eagle Heights and all the staff are passionate and dedicated but obviously working with all the amazing birds we have from owls to some huge eagles and vultures is the best part.
Do you have a favourite owl?
This is difficult to answer as all have their own personalities! Yeti our Siberian eagle owl is just stunning from his size to his markings, but barn owls are just majestic when they fly.
Having a steller’s eagle or white tailed sea eagle landing on your glove never fails to take your breath away! Also flying a falcon to the lure just gets my adrenaline going.
Alongside all the amazing work the staff do looking after the animals, Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation is doing lots to help protect the environment too which I really love. This includes:
- Using recycled materials for their enclosures and general building works
- Only using environmentally friendly cleaning products
- Collecting rainwater for their plants to reduce water usage
- Strongly promoting recycling on site
- Serving mainly Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance Certified items in their tearoom
- Installing solar power wherever possible
If you’re looking to book an owl experience, I’d really recommend Eagle Heights. The staff are so friendly and you can really get up close to the beautiful birds.
Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation FAQs (2026)
In the summer season (April-Sept), there are typically two displays daily at 12:00pm and 3:30pm. During the winter season, there is usually one display at 12:00pm. Displays are weather-dependent and may move to the indoor arena during rain.
While you can usually buy general entry tickets at the gate, animal experiences must be booked well in advance.
Yes, there is a large on-site car park which is free for all visitors. The centre is located at the top of a hill on Lullingstone Lane, so driving is the most convenient way to reach it.
The majority of the centre is accessible. The paths are generally flat or gently sloping, and there is a large indoor auditorium for displays which is fully accessible. Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are also available.
Yes, there are several dedicated picnic areas with stunning views over the Darent Valley. There is also an on-site tea room serving sandwiches, cakes, and refreshments if you prefer to buy food there.
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
