On Friday 5th April 1996 Gauntlet Birds of Prey Centre opened it’s doors to the public, at it’s original location at Nether Alderley in Cheshire. The centre was a dream come true for falconer Graham Bessant. He has been interested in Birds of Prey all his life and trained his first Kestrel at the age of 14.

In 2000 Graham met partner Lisa Adams and the life of Gauntlet Birds of Prey moved up a gear with further expansion and the arrival of many headline grabbing birds including a pair of American Bald Eagles. During the next few years the collection of birds continued to grow. By 2003 the centre housed over 50 individual birds from over 25 species and it was clear that Gauntlet needed a new location to allow expansion to continue.

In March 2004 a new chapter began when Gauntlet Birds of Prey Eagle and Vulture Park opened in Knutsford at the renowned Fryers Rose Nursery. It has proved to be the perfect site, allowing for large purpose built aviaries, an indoor flying area and a huge flying arena backing onto open fields. The improved facilities have allowed for further additions, including eagles and vultures.

With over ten years behind it Gauntlet continued to grow and a major new extension was opened in early 2008.

For further information visit the Gauntlet website at: http://www.gauntlet.info.