This Award has been developed by Lantra Awards in unison with The Hawk Board and with the help and assistance of professional Falconers throughout the UK. It is suitable for those new to Falconry, or those who wish to keep Raptors and/or Owls. It is also suitable for experienced Falconers/ Bird of Prey keepers who want to achieve the Award. All aspects of bird of prey management and husbandry up to flying to the fist on a creance are covered in the Award.
The Award is issued to those candidates who are able to demonstrate an understanding of the relevant background knowledge and those practical skills necessary to keep a Bird of Prey in a safe and healthy condition.
How do you achieve the Award?
This Award is designed to test your competence to keep a Raptor or Owl in a safe and healthy condition. Therefore you must be able to demonstrate that you have the necessary background knowledge as well as the practical skills that this entails. You will be assessed by a specially trained Assessor. Your Assessor may also be your teacher/mentor, although this is not always the case.
It is your Assessor's job to make sure that you have adequate opportunities to demonstrate your competence. Assessments may be continuous during a course of study, and will involve you collecting evidence of competence. Your Assessor will not recommend you for the Award until he/she is happy that you are competent. Successful candidates receive a certificate from Lantra Awards.
Structure and content of the Award
Unit 1. Bird of Prey Management Unit 2. Basic Falconry Techniques
and Husbandry
Housing Essential falconry equipment
Hygiene Picking up and carrying
Feed and food preparation Feeding, manning and initial training techniques
Health Weighing and weight management
Species suitability Flying to the fist on a creance
Purchasing your first bird
Both units must be achieved to be awarded the full Certificate in Beginning Falconry
