1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
Sat 26 & Sun 27 Jul
Many ancient crafts struggle to survive in the modern age. Falconry is one classic example of a centuries old art that has fought to secure a place within modern society - so much so that it is more popular now than it has been in the last 300 years.
Traditionally falconry was about hunting; either for sport or for the table, but modern man has new outdoor pursuits and far easier ways of stocking his larder! So why has falconry endured? Apart from the fascination of working with magnificent birds of prey, falconry has become closely linked with conservation and the breeding and protection of endangered species. Captive breeding and the specialised knowledge of falconers has enabled birds such as the Red Kite and the White Tailed Sea Eagle to be saved from extinction in the British Isles.