Staffordshire Owl Experience and Birds of Prey Rescue Sanctuary

The Staffordshire Owl Experience and Birds Of Prey Rescue Centre provides intimate and close up encounters with owls and other rare birds of prey. The centre focusses on rescuing and rehabilitating unwanted or injured birds. Plan a visit and see these animals on their journey to recovery.

Nestled in the peaceful village of Haughton, Staffordshire, lies one of the region’s most remarkable wildlife treasures: The Staffordshire Owl Experience & Birds Of Prey Rescue Centre. More than just a visitor attraction, the sanctuary serves as a lifeline for injured, neglected and vulnerable birds of prey, offering rehabilitation, education and unforgettable encounters for people of all ages.

The centre, which is located at The Red Lion Farm, Jolt Lane, near Stafford is a non‑funded, not‑for‑profit organisation, that relies solely on public generosity and donations. A dedicated team of 11 volunteers currently care for these unique birds, ensuring their welfare, safety and enrichment are prioritised to help speed up their recovery.  The volunteers are primarily students from South Staffs College and Keele University, who are studying veterinary and animal care courses. However, volunteers of all ages across Staffordshire are welcomed, with additional supervision and support being given to those with Special Educational Needs.

The bird sanctuary was originally founded in 2009, by Andrew Campbell, out of a deep belief in the importance of birds of prey and the need to educate the public about them. With the national curriculum offering little to no teaching on these species, Andy felt it was vital for people like him to share knowledge, raise awareness and inspire others through genuine, person‑to‑person education. He also wanted to restore faith in humanity by showing what compassion and commitment can achieve. The centres mission is clear and compelling: to rescue, rehabilitate, and, whenever possible, release birds back into the wild. As both owner and head volunteer, Andy has built the sanctuary around a simple yet powerful purpose- giving these remarkable birds a second chance.

Whether you are a bird enthusiast, a family seeking a memorable day out, or someone simply trying to connect with nature, the Haughton bird sanctuary offers an experience that is both meaningful and magical. It operates from 10-4pm on a daily basis when open to the public.

Andy has a vast knowledge of falconry and an in‑depth understanding of each bird of prey and their individual needs, as every species requires specialised care. All of his volunteers are also extremely knowledgeable, and they help to create a bespoke service in caring for these birds. His expertise, combined with the dedication of the volunteer team, forms the foundation of the sanctuary’s mission and impact.  

Many of the residents arrive after being surrendered by their owners for rehoming, as they have struggled to provide the right care and attention to these rare wild birds as pets. While others have been rescued after sustaining injury and require specialised medical attention that only the sanctuary can provide. 

What makes this animal rehabilitation centre unique to others is its immersive, hands-on approach to wildlife education. Visitors can choose from a number of different experiences, with package prices starting from £10 and up, tailored to suit individual needs.

Please visit the website for further details, where you can explore the full range of core experiences the sanctuary offers. These experiences include:

·       Meet The Birds-  Hold or feed up to 6 different owls under the supervision of expert handlers

·       Owl Or Falcon Handling Experiences- Available for solo participants or groups of up to 4

·       Owl Handling Sessions- Get up close with resident birds of prey and choose between owls, hawks, or both

·       Hawk Walks at Stafford Castle- Explore the castle grounds while handling one of the sanctuary’s hawks or owls, with photo opportunities included.

·       Private Photography Sessions- A 4–5-hour session capturing owls in natural settings, featuring a variety of indigenous and non‑indigenous species.

·       Beginner & Intermediate Falconry Lessons- Learn the fundamentals of falconry and observe natural hunting behaviours

·       A 3-hour introduction with an experienced trainer, ideal for aspiring falconers.

·       Half Day Keeper Experiences- Spend 3-4 hours learning how to run a sanctuary and care for birds of prey.

·       Full day keeper experience- A 5–6-hour immersive day (including lunch) covering falconry skills and bird care.

·       Harry Potter- Themed Photo Sessions- Step into the Hogwarts- inspired studio, complete with costumes and 5 resident owls

·       Weddings & Funerals- Add a unique touch to your event with owls, hawks, or falcons

·       Birthday Parties & Photo Experiences- Bespoke packages available for all ages

·       School Visits- Ranging from one hour to a full day, featuring a selection of owls  from around the world and a detailed lecture aligned with the national curriculum

·       Community Talks- Available for schools, clubs, the Women’s Institute, Brownies, Guides, Cubs, gardening groups, and more.

Gift Vouchers are also available for all ages and redeemable against handling sessions, hawk walks, and other experiences.

To participate in most of these activities you may need to bring walm clothing or waterproofs, food and drink

These experiences are designed not only to delight but also to deepen public understanding of raptor conservation strengthen empathy, curiosity, and respect for wildlife among all generations.

Andy offers a 24-hour response service for injured birds of prey, specialising in eagles, kestrels, buzzards, owls, falcons and goshawks.  GPS readings, along with key background information about the bird is essential to ensure it can be released back into its natural territory- especially if it may still have family nearby.

Every bird that arrives at the sanctuary begins its journey in isolation, where specialist avian vets test for avian flu before rehabilitation can safely begin. From there, the recovery process varies, depending on the severity of the injury. Birds with broken wings or legs typically remain at the sanctuary for 6-9 months. Thanks to expert care, around 80% recover fully, with over 90% of all birds eventually being released back into their natural habitat. Captive‑bred birds, however, cannot be released, as many are not native to the UK and would not survive in the wild.

With capacity for over 50 birds, the sanctuary occasionally rehomes birds to zoos when full, ensuring every animal receives the space and care it deserves. Tawny owls and barn owls are the most common bird of prey to be rescued due to their dense numbers, and many of these birds owe their second chance to the sanctuary’s rescue service. Andy will travel wherever needed, as he has no restricted boundary, although he always checks for a closer rescue centre first. His advice to the public is simple: don’t feed or handle any injured bird- just call. Cooked meats, bread and nuts can be fatal, and unnecessary stress can worsen injuries. A quick phone call can save a life.

The role for Andy and his volunteers can be physically demanding with a typical day including health checks, flying and exercising the birds, delivering feeding routines, moving birds to different areas for enrichment and preparing and cleaning enclosures in addition to monitoring birds recovery. No special vaccinations are required to work with birds of prey, only dedication, patience and a willingness to learn.

The sanctuary’s mission is not only to rescue but to educate and enlighten, giving people the chance to connect with wildlife in a meaningful way. Their hands‑on experiences are among the most popular in the region, especially the owl‑handling sessions where visitors can choose up to six owls to hold during a one‑hour experience.

These experiences attract repeat visitors from across the UK, many of whom follow the sanctuary’s rescues and releases on Facebook.

The biggest challenge to the sanctuary is financial, as they do not receive any government funding to run and maintain the centre. It costs around £12,000 a year to run and relies purely on donations. Every penny that is donated goes directly towards the sanctuary to help with vets bills, food, housing and maintenance for these feathery friends. Even the smallest contributions make a huge difference.

•       £10 will feed a barn owl or Kestrels for 1 month.

•       £20 will feed and house a barn owl or Kestrels for 1 month

•       £50 will provide a rehabilitation enclosure for 1 month and allow an owl to be  released back into the wild

•       £250 will provide a suitable enclosure for rehabilitation and housing for 1 injured owl

For those who want to help, there are many ways to support the sanctuary’s vital work. You can: donate via the Facebook page, follow them on TikTok, volunteer your time at the centre, book an experience to help fund the care or share their mission with others.

Last year alone, with support from the public, the sanctuary successfully released 21 barn owls, 16 tawny owls and 7 kestrels back into the wild- an extraordinary achievement at a time when natural habitats are shrinking and pesticides continue to threaten native species. These birds face increasing pressure from the destruction of natural habitats and the use of pesticides and chemicals.

In a world where wildlife faces increasing threats, the Staffordshire Owl Experience needs your help even more.  Many people have never had the chance to see, let alone hold one of these magnificent birds. The sanctuary changes that by allowing the public  to become closer to nature and hopes to inspire future wildlife advocates so these rare birds can continue to thrive in the natural world.

Key Advice

If you see an injured bird of prey, or want to learn more about the sanctuary’s work, contact Andy on 07980 977717.

Many people are naive to birds of prey and try to help by feeding them cooked meats, bread, nuts and seeds, which can all have lethal consequences. Andy’s advice is for you to not try to catch or feed the bird but to contact him as soon as you can and he will help and assist with the next steps.

How The Public Can Support

The public can help protect wild birds by educating themselves and learn more by visiting the sanctuary to understand more about birds of prey.

Advertising is done mainly through word of mouth, social media, and fundraising events, along with other community activities designed to promote the sanctuary and the experiences it offers. Andy has previously hosted events in places such as Edinburgh and Derbyshire, meaning that no matter where you are in the country, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

The sanctuary now faces one of its biggest challenges yet. Storm Darragh caused significant damage and devastation to the sanctuary, leaving many birds in urgent need of help and the grounds in need of major restructuring.

If you would like to support the birds, please visit the website or follow the Facebook page for updates on progress.

www.theowlexperience.net