The Development 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 only native bird of prey attraction in the UK, offering visitors close‑up experiences with British birds alongside daily flying shows.
The investment, via the Wales Tourism Investment Fund, has supported the business in moving from its former site at the National Botanic Gardens and establishing a purpose‑built centre at a former equestrian centre in the village of Idole. The move has allowed the business to operate from a permanent home and plan for growth as a stand-alone tourism attraction.
The £154,400 loan from the Development Bank has provided working capital for the business during redevelopment, which includes a block of 20 aviaries and an indoor all‑weather flying arena, along with a café, retail space, an interactive hub, and associated groundworks and parking. The investment has also supported the creation of eight full‑time jobs locally.
The new centre is designed to attract visitors year‑round, with daily flying shows taking place in the indoor flying arena, where every bird on site flies free. Facilities and activities have been designed to be inclusive, with tailored experiences for visitors with special educational needs, dementia, and hearing or visual impairments.
Future plans for the site include additional visitor attractions such as soft play facilities, camping and glamping accommodation, and the development of the centre as a wedding venue.
Emma Hill, Director at the British Bird of Prey Centre, said: “As a tourism business, high‑street banks didn’t have the appetite to invest in us at the point 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 really reflects who we are.
“Moving has allowed us to develop our own identity as a visitor attraction, while continuing to deliver 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 Portfolio Executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said:
“The British Bird of Prey Centre is an excellent example of a tourism business with a distinctive offer and clear growth plans. This investment has supported the creation of a high‑quality visitor attraction that will draw people into the area, support local supply chains and create well‑paid jobs.”
