Training goes on behind closed doors for the Birds of Prey at Thorp Perrow

Training still continues behind closed doors at the Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre.Training still continues behind closed doors at the Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre.
Training still continues behind closed doors at the Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre. | freelance
Training carries on behind closed doors for the birds of prey who call Thorp Perrow Arboretum, in North Yorkshire, home.

The Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre, which is housed in the Walled Garden at the site near Bedale, would normally be showing off the birds’ skills with daily displays, but throughout lockdown the centre remains closed.

But even without the visitors, the birds still need to get in their training and flying practice. Home to some magnificent birds with every continent on the globe represented, centre residents include raptors such as hawks, eagles and falcons with exotic bird species like caracara, kookaburra and tawny frogmouth.

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There are also several types of owl including native little and snowy owls and the more unusual spectacled owl.

Independently owned and managed by Tom Graham, the site has a successful captive breeding programme so this time of year sees chicks of all varieties starting to hatch.

As well as the birds, the Walled Garden is home to some cheeky mammals including meerkats, wallabies, pygmy goats and rare breed sheep.

The Thorp Perrow Arboretum itself covers 100 acres and currently houses five national plant collections.

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It also features the Milbank Pinetum planted by Lady Augusta Milbank in the mid-19th century, and the medieval Spring Wood which dates back to the 16th century.

The arboretum remains in the ownership of the Ropner family – it was Colonel Sir Leonard Ropner who originally created

it.

assed on to his son Sir John Ropner, Sir John with his wife Niki turned it into the attraction it is today. The current custodians are Sir Henry Ropner and his family.

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