大象传媒

Bob Morley and Mini Me, an India eagle owl

At a time when many of us are tightening our belts to stave off recession, there's good news for parents in the shape of a charming and free animal attraction in Derbyshire.

The Owl Experience in Risley is a compact but fascinating place to go face to face with a variety of different owls and other birds of prey.

The man in charge is wildlife photographer Bob Morley who set up the site next door to the Lanes Garden Centre after moving from its previous home in Darley Abbey in September 2008.

The venue's small size means he's available at all times to teach children and their parents about the animals and give them the chance to hold the charming birds.

As well as the birds on show, Bob also looks after a small sanctuary area, taking in beautiful birds that have been abandoned by their owners or found injured and cannot be released back into the wild.

He said: "I lot of people really love owls and I've certainly loved them for as long as I can remember.

"We do keep other birds here too but the owls are a big crowd puller and a lot of people think that might be because they look more human than a hawk or a buzzard.

"They've got their eyes on the front of their heads, they've got big flat faces and of course they look cute and cuddly."

The owls love the attention and are happy to pose

Among the 12 birds on show are a snowy owl, barn owl, tawny owl, a white faced scops and an indian eagle owl which recently took a starring role in a television advert.

Other birds include a saker falcon, harris hawk and a buzzard.

Bob also takes his birds around schools, teaches archery and organises bird experience days on request.

For more information, you can call the Owl Experience on 07773 331059 or visit the website.