Julian's Legacy

  • Huxleys Birds of Prey has a rich history that reflects the dedication and passion of its founder, Julian. What began as Julian's private collection of birds evolved into a beloved centre, which found its current home in 1993. It’s hard to imagine that the beautiful site where Huxleys now thrives was once little more than a dumping ground for a nearby garden center. But through sheer determination, Julian transformed this abandoned land into a sanctuary that not only provides a haven for birds of prey but also a place of beauty and tranquility for visitors.

    Today, the garden surrounding Huxleys is a vibrant testament to Julian's vision. In the summer months, the borders explode with colour, with lavender and dahlias as large as you’ve ever seen. The garden also boasts an impressive collection of tropical plants, including palms and tree ferns, which add to the site's exotic charm. The hard work and creativity poured into the garden have not gone unnoticed; it has won a Gold award for the best commercial premises in Horsham in Bloom and has been featured in National Garden magazine.

    Julian’s legacy, however, extends far beyond the stunning landscapes he created. Although Julian sadly passed away in October 2021, his spirit lives on through the continued efforts of Luke, a former volunteer who has taken over the stewardship of Huxleys, and the dedicated team of volunteers who support the center. Under their care, Huxleys continues to thrive, providing a place of learning, inspiration, and conservation.

    This transformation from a forgotten plot of land into an award-winning garden and centre for birds of prey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with vision, hard work, and a deep love for nature. Julian’s legacy is not only seen in the lives of the birds and the beauty of the garden but also in the ongoing commitment to educating and inspiring future generations through falconry and conservation efforts at Huxleys.

  • Huxley the Eurasian Eagle Owl (01/01/1977 - 04/02/2025)

    At Huxleys Birds of Prey, our 48-year-old owl was a cherished part of our history. As one of the first birds cared for by our founder, Julian, he had been with us since the very beginning and was a quiet observer of life at the centre.

    Perched in his spacious aviary overlooking the site, he enjoyed soaking up the sun and watching the daily activity around him. Guests were often captivated by his calm demeanor and the sense of history he represented—a living connection to the roots of Huxleys.

    Huxley sadly passed away in Feb 2025. He is and will always be missed.
    We decided to bury him under Julian’s bench at the bottom of the lawn so be sure to go down and say hello.