Clients hawking with Harris Hawks on a Shropshire hillside - an experience many would like

Welcome to the world of Steve Wright Falconry

Based at The Shakespeare Countryside Museum, Mary Arden's House, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Steve Wright has been flying birds of prey since 1976, when he started with an injured kestrel. Since then he has founded and run Heart of England Falconry in Stratford-upon-Avon until 2002, when he took an easier lifestyle and concentrated on his outside displays in the summer months and his hawking days in the winter. In this pleasant occupation he is aided (sometimes) by his famous Hawkwise Brittanys who can always be seen with him.

2007 saw the demise of Heart of England Falconry and Steve moved back to Mary Arden's House. He now trades there as Hawkwise Falconry. Once again he can provide thorough tuition in all aspects of the sport (sse our web page on courses) and also supplies falconry equipment and food.

Steve has contributed significantly to modern falconry. The Independent Bird Register, and its annual Directory, are both products of his invention, as is their web-marketing Birdmart. He also founded the precursor to the Falconry Fair, now a major national event. In those early days it was called a Falcon Show and was the first event to enable  falconers to meet in numbers without the activity of a field meet to distract them.

Being based in a tourist area Steve developed a series of half-day course modules and became the first person to offer such experiences. How many people have since enjoyed these brief encounters with birds of prey at falconry centres up and down the country. Although decried by the purists of the day Steve believes it is important to get the average person "on side" rather than preserve a "chosen few" approach which was the norm years ago. Indeed it is this wish to make falconry accessible which has made his displays a continuing success.

Coming from a dog breeding family it is no surprise that Steve's Hawkwise Brittanys are making a name for themselves in the hawking field. He worked as a guide Dog Trainer for over 20 years and sets high standards regarding working ethic, trainability, excellent temperament and physical soundness in his stock. His enthusiasm for the breed is such that he is always ready to help novice Brittany owners with their queries. He has worked 10 Brits to date and has seen many others in the field. He is a committee member of the Brittany Club of Great Britian.

Contact Steve on 01789 415437 or e-mail stevewright.falconer@virgin.net

Useful links are www.shakespeare.org.uk

Also visit www.stratfordbikehire.com and cycle through the lanes from Anne Hathaways Cottage at Shottery or along the towpath from Stratford itself.