Who we are:

Here you can find out a little bit more about us as a team, we are open to new volunteers for the team all year round!

Faith Scott

I was first introduced to the Imperial Bird of Prey academy when I was 15 years old through an experience day. From that day on I was hooked. I found a love for birds of prey and could not wait to start my new life with them. I started volunteering at the cente in 2014, and it became my new home, volunteering every day I could for a further two years. Through this I was able to gain enough experience and knowledge to help run the centre from day to day, I was then offered the position of owner and director at the age of 18.

I have always had a love for animals ever since I was young and have experience in many feilds, not just birds of prey. I have been on many conservation programmes abroad with marine life, aswell as three years experience working at different rescue centres for different species, both exotic and domestic.

I continue to enjoy completing experince days and educating the public about birds of prey, and hopefully help people from a young age to get the experiene in the industry in the way i have been able too.

I am also very happy to answer any questions you may have.

Gary Muirden

Owner/Director

Gary has always been interested in animals from a very young age, and his obsession for birds of prey started very early through visiting zoo's and watching bird of prey displays.

He was introduced to the Imperial bird of prey academy when he bought a tailor made hawking course, to teach him everything he needed to know about owning a bird of prey. From this point on, like many others, he was fascinated by birds of prey, particulary goshawks. Nigel King, the former owner and director of the Imperial bird of prey academy, quickly took on the role of becoming Garys mentor and introduced him to his very first bird 'Chuck' the German goshawk.

Gary continued to volunteer at the centre for a further 3 years, flying and hunting with his goshawks, when he was offered the postion of owner and director in 2017.

Matthew Jackson

Senior volunteer

Matt started working as a volunteer at the centre in 2015 ...he is a shining example of hard work and professionalism and we are delighted and proud to now call him our new Senior Volunteer.

From shows, experience days, offsite visits and educational workshops, there is nothing he doesn't do to a high standard.

As well as having a passion for birds, Matt has a vast amount of knowledge birds of prey, especially owls!

It has been fantastic to watch Matt grow and progress at The Imperial Bird of Prey Academy and he is now a friendly and recognisable face across all our media and events.

A real role model for those wanting to choose animal work as a career path.

We can't wait to see what he is capable of in the future...