The owl sanctuary at Festival Park was established in 1998 for the rehabilitation and care of injured, abandoned, and uncared-for wild owls, hawks and falcons. The main aim is to care for these animals until they can be released back into the wild. Unfortunately, some of the birds cannot be released due to being bred in captivity, being non-native species, or being injured in a way that they could not be released, so they stay at the sanctuary.

This place not only does an important job, but they don’t even charge entry (buckets are dotted around for donations), they let you hold a bird, and they are forthcoming with information about the birds. Good job guys!

To get here: Park in the Festival Park parking (51°44’48.3″N 3°11’45.0″W), go towards the shopping centre, then veer right past the playground, follow the road down and you will find the Owl sanctuary at the bend.