IMAGINE the exhilaration of having Britain's most graceful predator flying from your hand, hunting down its prey and returning to you. Well imagine no more, because you can learn the ancient art of falconry just across the border at the national bird of prey centre.

As well as running a key conservation and breeding programme for a range of rare birds the centre also gives people the opportunity to work with these powerful hunters.

The centre in Newent, Gloucestershire, was founded in 1967 by Philip Glasier, his wife and family when they moved from Dorset. They started with only twelve birds and opened six months later with nearly 60. The centre now houses the world's largest collection of birds of prey with up to 300 hundred birds of approximately 80 different species and a breeding record second to none.

Visitors can watch flying displays of all kinds of birds including owls, falcons, eagles, hawks and vultures all set in the most beautiful Gloucestershire countryside.

But for anyone who wants a more hands-on experience there are day and one-week courses available with a range of birds.

The days make a great present for anyone who is interested in learning a little more about birds of prey and how they survive. It also allows you to get closer to the birds than the visitors to the centre are able to get. The course is available to anyone who is 16 years and upwards. Anyone from the age of 10 to 15 are also welcome to do the course as long as they are accompanied with an adult.

The days are run every month of the year except January. Depending on bookings, they are held up to five days a week and include a weekend day. There are only six people on each course, being trained and encouraged by two professional staff.

Apart from November to January the centre is open seven days a week from February 1 to October 31, from 10.30am to 5.30pm or dusk when earlier in the winter months.

A one day course is £125 per person while a family visitor ticket for four is £17. Edward Davie