THE DEVELOPEMENT Bank of Wales has invested £154,000 in the British Bird of Prey Centre to support the development of a new visitor attraction in Carmarthenshire, helping the business to strengthen the area’s tourism offer and create new jobs.
The British Bird of Prey Centre is the UK’s only native bird of prey attraction, offering visitors close-up experiences with British birds alongside daily flight shows.
The investment, through the Wales Tourism Investment Fund, has supported the business to move from its old site in the National Botanic Gardens and set up a dedicated centre in an old riding centre in the village of Idole. This move has allowed the business to operate from a permanent home and plan for growth as an independent tourist attraction.
The loan of £154,400 from the Development Bank has provided working capital for the business during the redevelopment, which includes a block of 20 aviaries and an all-weather indoor flying arena, together with a cafe, retail space, interactive centre, and associated earthworks and parking. The investment has also supported the creation of eight full-time jobs locally.
The new centre is designed to attract visitors throughout the year, with daily flight shows taking place in the indoor flying arena, where all birds on site fly freely. Facilities and activities are designed to be inclusive, with experiences tailored for visitors with special educational needs, dementia, and hearing or sight impairment.
Future plans for the site include additional visitor attractions such as soft play facilities, camping and glamping accommodation, and developing the centre as a wedding venue.
Emma Hill, Director of the British Birds of Prey Centre said: “As a tourism business, high street banks didn’t have the desire to invest in us at the time we were looking to grow.
“The support from the Development Bank gave us the investment we needed to move forward and establish a centre that reflects who we really are.
“Moving has enabled us to develop our own identity as a visitor attraction, continuing to provide high quality experiences every day.
“The new centre gives us the space and facilities to grow, welcome more visitors and play a stronger role in the local tourism economy.”
Donna Williams, Senior Executive Portfolio Officer at the Development Bank of Wales said: “The British Bird of Prey Centre is an excellent example of a tourism business with a distinctive proposition and clear growth plans.
“This investment has supported the creation of a high-quality visitor attraction that will attract people to the area, support local supply chains and create well-paying jobs.”
