Northside Falconry

Reviews

We all had the greatest time yesterday.  It was all really fantastic. From the weather, those incredible birds, wonderful displays, delicious lunch, the added bonus of the hunt and the welcome and kindness of you both.  The boys said it was the best day they had ever had and Christian and I loved it too.  Christina Farmer

Absolutely loved the Hawk Walk with Frankie and Tori, wouldn't resist another go!  Jake Agar

What an experience! I haven't the words to describe what a fantastic afternoon this was. David offers the chance of experiencing first hand how to hunt with a Goshawk at close quarters. We spent several hours in the magnificent Tees Valley with Sally the Goshawk assisted by Bill the German Pointer. David reared the Goshawk from very young - he was great at explaining what was happening and told me all about the bird - Bill then went to work finding and flushing out a rabbit under Davids commands. Finally it was up to the Goshawk to show her skills as a hunter soaring through the air at great speed and then dive in for the kill. It was not gorey or gratuitous - it was humane with David ensuring that it was all over very quickly. I watched the Hawk 'mantel' over its kill in a protective way - an amazing sight.  Thanks for a great afternoon, the best ever!  I would highly recommend this experience that David offers. I will certainly be bringing my mates next time. Frank Phayer, Co Durham
 

"What can we say? Completely agree with all the excellent reviews already posted. David passed on his endless knowledge without lecturing. Both David and Tori made us feel comfortable and relaxed, we thoroughly enjoyed our time with them and there birds. Highly recommend for one of life's special experiences."   Robyn and Carole Harrison

What an experience of a lifetime. The time spent with David and his amazing birds will be remembered forever, this has to be one of the most fascinating and rewarding experiences. His knowledge and love of these truly fantastic birds is second to none, The Dogs are also amazing to watch work and see how closely the Birds and Dogs work together was a real treat!  Fantastic value for money and a real treat. Take the time to experience it for yourself, I guarantee you will love it!!  Karra Walsh, Co Antrim.

Mike and I had a great time learning to fly the birds and watching them hunt. Very good fun, well organised and we cant wait to come back for a weekend next year! Laura & Mike Drew

Once again we really enjoyed ourselves and you and David gave a great insight into what is a very interesting and different hunting day out.  Bet your bottom dollar I will be spreading the word.  Wishing you all the best for a successful business. Eric Heap & Co

Dear Tori, I wanted to write to you about my wonderful few days spent in Teesdale, where I had the pleasure of staying in the delightful "Connies Cottage", at North Side Farm Retreat.

I was thrilled to be introduced to you and David and hear about your birds of prey and it was wonderful to sign up for one of your 'Hawk Walks', something that I have always wanted to do. It was such a lovely day that I felt I wanted to write to you by way of thanks and to give you my impressions of our 'walk'.

I was asked to wear waterproof footwear and dark warm clothing in preparation for the walk but nothing could have prepared me for the experience of the 'Hawk Walk' with Frankie the Harris Hawk and Tori. This, for me, was the experience of a lifetime.  I was greeted in the morning by Tori. She was friendly and confident and soon made me feel at ease. She told me lots of interesting facts about the bird and then demonstrated how to hold Frankie on my gloved hand so that she got used to me.

We walked across the fields and as we went Tori explained again how to fly Frankie, how to handle and feed her and what some of her expressions meant. Tori was an excellent teacher and good fun, she allowed me to experience calling Frankie to me for food. We also walked along a tree lined route with Frankie soaring past between us so she could keep one step ahead of us and then sit high up in a tree ready to swoop down again. The bond between Tori and Frankie was amazing and she encouraged me to gently stroke Frankie's chest while she explained how she stored her food and how fast she could fly . Tori made me feel both comfortable and confident  - it was the most wonderful experience which I  thoroughly recommend to anyone.  A five star experience, Thank you Tori I will definitely be back.

Mrs Catherine Edmundson,East Sussex

Having been unwell i came up North to stay at Northside Farm Retreat and decided to book myself in for a full days experience with Tori and David.  My day started with a Hawk Walk with Tori and Connie the Harris Hawk and it was quite possibly one of the most amazing mornings of my life, to be that close to a bird of prey, watching her swoop and fly amongst trees was utterly breath taking.  The Afternoon then followed with David and Tori taking me out to watch their birds hunting, the scenery is second to none, the dale definitely has some hidden treasures and the birds, dogs and ferrets all worked harmoniously together! I shall be back in the New Year with the family for another day. 

Mrs J Franklin, Cornwall