The story of Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation begins with a different family altogether – the Alexanders, who in 1892 made their bold journey south from Scotland to purchase what was then known as Home Farm. Through dedication and hard work, they expanded their agricultural empire from a modest 100-acre farm to an impressive 2,000 acres spread across six farms by 1942 – quite the achievement for a family that started with a single plot of Kent countryside!
The early 1970s brought significant changes to the site. In 1971-1972, the Alexanders constructed a modern milking parlour at Hulberry Farm (where Eagle Heights now resides). This state-of-the-art facility represented the pinnacle of dairy farming technology at the time, and for many years, the gentle lowing of cattle and the rhythmic hum of milking machines filled these very buildings where magnificent birds now perch.
However, as with many British dairy farms in the early 1990s, times were changing. In 1993, after decades of dairy production, the difficult decision was made to cease dairy farming operations. It was a bittersweet moment – the end of one era, but unknowingly, the beginning of something rather special.
Sometimes the most remarkable transformations come from the most unexpected circumstances. In 1994, an innovative proposal was put forward to convert the former dairy farm into something completely different – a Bird of Prey Centre. It wasn’t a quick or easy process; change of use applications and proper approvals took two full years. But good things come to those who wait, and on August 16, 1996, Eagle Heights officially opened its doors to the public.
The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. Where once stood milk storage tanks, now stood mews housing magnificent eagles. Former cattle sheds were cleverly converted into aviaries, and the fields once grazed by dairy cows became flying grounds for some of the world’s most impressive birds of prey.
The evolution didn’t stop there. Eagle Heights has grown from being solely a Bird of Prey Centre to becoming the Wildlife Foundation you see today. The sanctuary has welcomed meerkats, huskies, and various other amazing creatures into its family. The mission has expanded too – it’s not just about showcasing magnificent birds anymore; it’s about education, conservation, and creating meaningful connections between people and wildlife.
Today, Eagle Heights stands proud as one of the UK’s largest Bird of Prey Centres, home to over 50 species. The former farm buildings have been repurposed with careful consideration, maintaining their character while serving new purposes. The old dairy parlour now serves as a welcome centre, while those agricultural outbuildings have been transformed into a tea room and gift shop, where visitors can relax after an exciting day of animal encounters.
What makes this transformation even more meaningful is how the connection to the land has been maintained, albeit in a different way. Where once the farm produced milk, Eagle Heights now produces something equally valuable – knowledge, understanding, and appreciation for the natural world. The site has gone from feeding the nation to feeding minds, and what a wonderful evolution that has been.
As a non-profit organisation and proud Silver member of Green Tourism, Eagle Heights is committed to minimal environmental impact and educational outreach. Every penny earned goes straight back into caring for the animals and supporting conservation efforts, both here in the UK and beyond.
Looking back at the journey from Home Farm to Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation, it’s clear that this transformation was meant to be. While the purpose of these buildings has changed dramatically since those dairy farming days, the spirit of hard work, dedication, and service to the community remains as strong as ever.
The next time you visit and watch a magnificent eagle soaring over the Kent countryside, take a moment to imagine the gentle dairy cows that once grazed these same fields. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most wonderful things can emerge from change, and that every ending can lead to an exciting new beginning.
