Suffolk Owl Sanctuary & Nature Centre

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is a Bird of Prey Rescue Centre, based at Stonham Barns, just outside Stowmarket. We have a captive collection of over 60 Birds of Prey from around the world, many of whom take part in our daily flying displays where visitors can see them displaying natural behaviours with commentary from our experienced falconers.

In addition to our birds, we also have a mob of Meerkats, some not-so-Minibeasts and plenty of outdoor space to explore and learn more about Native Species.

Our Education Team run National Curriculum linked guided walks, sessions and workshops on a variety of topics, which are all tailored to the groups needs and requirements.

Our flying displays are amongst the best in the UK, featuring a variety of birds from the UK and abroad. They offer groups the chance to see natural behaviours as the birds fly freely across our Flying Ground, often weaving between the audience to give a real up close and personal experience.

Our experienced Education Team are on hand to provide a fun and engaging learning experience for all, and can create bespoke sessions for groups of all ages and abilities.

The Raptor Hospital on site gives us case studies which are used to help raise awareness about the dangers to our native birds. We can include sessions covering Wildlife Rescue, Persecution and Conservation based on real cases.

• We hold the LOtC Quality Badge

Each visit is tailored to the group, depending on age, ability, size and your topic preferences. We will provide an itinerary before your visit, detailing times and activities.

Generally, groups start with a guided walk (which could focus on Native Species, Owls, Nocturnal Animals, Habitats, Adaptations, Predator and Prey, Conservation, or any other topics). If requested, we can finish this in time for our morning Meerkat feed and talk. Groups then take their seats for our morning Flying Display, which typically lasts about half an hour. Lunches can be eaten outdoors in our picnic areas or in our covered Pavilion area. After lunch, there is time for a learning session or activity before visiting the shop and departure.

Every young visitor is supplied with a Safari Trail booklet which can be completed during their visit, and teachers will be given a small “prize” for each child to take away with them.

Any size for self led groups. Up to 20 for guided walks and sessions, although we can cater for larger groups and work activities on rotation.

We have a number of free to download worksheets available on our website. These were developed by our Education Officer and link with the National Curriculum by topic and key stage. Teachers are welcome to download these for use in the classroom before or after their visit, or if they would like us to include them in a pre-booked session, we can arrange for them to be supplied on the day.

To view our available resources, please visit: https://www.owl-help.org.uk/resources

Groups are welcome to take photos or videos during their visit, and if appropriate permissions are in place, are encouraged to share them with us for use in digital and printed marketing. More details can be provided if required.

We have a risk assessment available for all our educational activities.
Teachers are welcome to arrange a free pre-visit to carry out their own risk assessments if required.

Susan Jones

susan@owlbarn.co.uk or 07879 547 067

• Students aged 4-16 – £4.50, under 4s – free
• Staff – free (we recommend a ratio of 1:6)
• Additional adults – £7.50

Dress appropriately for the season, so warm, waterproof clothing is recommended in the winter, and light clothing in the summer (with suncream, hats, etc)

We have a first aid station on site and most staff members are first aid trained.

We have a gift shop with a range of pocket money items (between £2-5 is ideal). Time to visit the shop can be included in your itinerary, or we offer groups the chance to pre-order gift bundles for distribution back at school. Please contact our Education Officer for more details.

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary has two wheelchair accessible toilets situated in the building at SOS2. One of these also has baby changing facilities. We advise larger groups to use the toilets at Stonham Barns, which are located just outside the Sanctuary.

We are a Refill Station, so any drinks bottles can be refilled with tap water. Just ask a member of staff.

We have several outdoor picnic areas dotted around the Sanctuary, and one large covered area which groups can use in wet weather.

Coach parking is available on site.

We have a small selection of cold drinks available to purchase in our shop. Stonham Barns has a Bistro and Tearoom which are open every day for hot drinks, snacks and meals.

We have an outdoor play area near the shop, as well as a sandpit and ride on toys at SOS2 (subject to weather). SOS2 also has an indoor play area, reading corner and colouring table.

Our site is wheelchair friendly, with no steps and smooth pathways throughout. Our Woodland Walk has a woodchip path, which can get waterlogged during wet weather, but staff are on hand to assist if needed. We have wheelchairs available to borrow if required. Our toilets are wheelchair accessible.

Our Education Officer has worked with SEN students in a variety of settings, and can provide further details if requested.

Teachers are welcome to conduct their own pre-visit should they feel the need, or we can provide photos of the different locations to aid with planning the trip.

We are open 7 days a week throughout the year.

Summer opening hours:

10-5

Winter opening hours:

10-4 (last admission an hour before closing)

Group bookings are available Mon-Fri during opening hours.

Weekend visits may be arranged, depending on staff availability.

The Flying display and the meerkat talk were definite highlights!” — Saxmundham Primary School

Thoroughly enjoyed our day. Educational and fun! Particularly liked the Meerkat Talk, flying Display and the Pellet Dissection activity.” — Future Education

We enjoyed everything! The children had a fabulous time!” — Mendham Primary School

From a teacher point of view, it was brilliant to be on a trip that was organised so well. Each part of the day was well planned and it meant I could also enjoy the day alongside the children without having to worry about where we are going next or trying to find our way round. We will definitely be coming back to visit again next year. Thank you to all of your staff for making us feel so welcome.” – Morland C of E School

Flying displays are subject to the weather and the operational needs of the organization – please refer to our website prior to arranging your visit, and feel free to contact us with any questions regarding your booking.