Six Level 3 Animal Management students have been selected to take part in the UK’s first ever Junior Harris Hawk race - a landmark event celebrating the next generation of falconers.
The competition will take place on 6 June at Norsted Manor Farm in Orpington and is being sponsored and organised by Sevenoaks-based Willows Bird of Prey Centre in collaboration with Wide Eyes Falconry.
Hadlow College students Lauren Steele, Evie Morrison, Grace Duke, Maddi Humphries, Gemma Stanbury and Seth Oldrey are RAPTOR-qualified and have been chosen by Willows Bird of Prey Centre to represent their team; a significant achievement given the number of young people the centre works with across the South East.
Their selection reflects both their commitment and the specialist training they have received as part of their studies. As students on the Level 3 Animal Management course, they have been developing hands-on falconry skills through the College’s dedicated programme, delivered in partnership with Willows. The course offers students the opportunity to work towards the nationally recognised RAPTOR Award.
At the event, students will compete, in teams of two, in bull x Harris hawk races over 200 metres, with the fastest time taking the title. The race offers a rare chance for young falconers to test their skills in a competitive setting. The bull x simulates hunting for the Harris hawks so it is a fantastic display of natural behaviour.
Jo Saunders, our Head of Curriculum for Animal Management, said:
“The students have done extremely well to be selected by Willows, especially considering the number of young people they work with across the South East. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to put into practice the skills they’ve been developing and to be part of such a unique, event.”
Hadlow College student Seth Oldrey added:
“It’s not lost on me that there is a lot of trust in me to have been selected to represent Willows in this race. Willows Birds of Prey really inspired me and taught us the skills we needed so well - it’s given me a whole new love for falconry and now I’m looking to get a job in the sector. I can’t wait for the competition and to have yet another new experience within the world of falconry”.
Talia Hassan from Willows Bird of Prey Centre said,
“We are incredibly proud of these students and the progress they have made. They are building on the skills developed through the RAPTOR Awards, showing clear dedication and continued growth. While the RAPTOR Awards provide a strong foundation, these students are taking the initiative to further develop their abilities. It is inspiring to see such passion in the younger generation, who will help shape the future of falconry.”
Spectator tickets are £5 and can be purchased here: Spectator Harris Hawk Race — Wide Eyes Falconry CIC
Find out more about Animal Management courses at Hadlow College.