Owning a small business is a labour of love, and we love our small business owners! We asked the businesses of Moss End Garden Village to share a short story of why they decided to start their business, what they love about owning a business at Moss End, or just something entertaining about themselves… 

This week we’re introducing Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre…

Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre is home to 22 birds of prey and owls and is run by Sadie Shepherd, who with a background and passion for conservation, has been working with birds for the past 23 years. ‘I love how birds of prey are the indicators for a fabulous environment, for without the correct habitat and food sources, birds such as a Kestrel and Barn Owl simply cannot live. By understanding their needs we can teach people to create the best possible environment around them and understand how important it is to protect it’. The centre offers people the chance to learn all of this, whether it be through a handling session or simply visiting the centre.

Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre opened to the public at Moss end in November 2022 but this was the conclusion to a very long journey. Feathers and Fur is actually 13 years old however and moved to Moss End Garden Village in 2020 amid the covid lock down when the previous location decided to close its doors and all the tenants lost their homes. ‘The move was one of the hardest, mental and physical challenges I have ever faced, but with an amazing team and the support of all our followers we did it. I am so proud of what we have built, and choosing to come to Moss End was the best decision ever’ – Sadie Shepherd.

The collection of businesses now at Moss End really makes it a fabulous place to visit with families, almost like a mini zoo trip with birds, reptiles and fish. I love it. The businesses are all so supportive of one another and as a site we feel like we have found our forever home.

The centre includes a classroom, photo boards, lots of information to learn, a quiz for young visitors and a centre tour to read whilst you visit the birds, plus a gift shop with lots of lovely Bird of Prey goodies. We offer school talks, educational visits, hands on sessions, photography sessions, birthday parties and much more.

Sadie Shepherd has led a rather busy and full life so far, including owning a lingerie shop, sky diving, climbing Kilimanjaro, working at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and volunteering in Iceland! Nowadays though you are more likely to find me in the centre, in a field with a bird or in the woods with my two dogs!

With more than 44 independent retailers at Moss End Garden Village, this is just a small snapshot of some of the familiar faces you’ll see when you visit.   Come and visit to explore and discover a new shop you’ve never been to, and don’t forget to say hello to the owner! To find a list of all businesses that call Moss End Garden Village home, click here.