Julian's legacy
From a forgotten plot of land to an award-winning garden and home for birds of prey.
How Huxleys began
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 grew into a much-loved 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 centre. Through sheer determination, Julian transformed this abandoned land into a sanctuary that is both a haven for birds of prey and a place of beauty and tranquillity for visitors.
An award-winning garden
Today, the garden surrounding Huxleys is a vibrant testament to Julian's vision. In summer 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.
It has won a Gold award for the best commercial premises in Horsham in Bloom and has been featured in National Garden magazine.
His spirit lives on
Julian sadly passed away in October 2021, but his legacy extends far beyond the landscapes he created. His spirit lives on through Luke, a former volunteer who has taken over the stewardship of Huxleys, and the dedicated team of volunteers who support the centre.
Under their care, Huxleys continues to thrive as a place of learning, inspiration and conservation – educating and inspiring future generations through falconry.
IN MEMORY
Huxley the Eurasian Eagle Owl
1 January 1977 – 4 February 2025
Our 48-year-old owl was a cherished part of our history. As one of the first birds cared for by 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 nature and the sense of history he represented – a living connection to the roots of Huxleys.
Huxley sadly passed away in February 2025 and will always be missed. We buried him under Julian's bench at the bottom of the lawn, so be sure to go down and say hello.
