Soaring Ambitions: The Legal Deal Behind The New British Bird of Prey Centre in Carmarthen.
For anyone who has stood beneath a sweeping red kite or watched a sea eagle skim the skyline, the magic of birds of prey is hard to forget. For Emma and Alex Hill, it became a life’s work.
Now, thanks to careful planning, specialist legal advice and determined collaboration, the British Bird of Prey Centre has secured a permanent new home, only 4 miles from the centre of Carmarthen, setting the stage for its most ambitious chapter yet.
Formerly based at the National Botanical Garden of Wales, the Centre had built a loyal following through its hands-on displays, conservation work and educational experiences. However, as the collection of birds grew and visitor numbers increased, so did the need for space.
The move to a 24-acre site at Pantgwyn, Idole, offers the freedom to create a purpose-built destination where bird welfare, education and tourism can thrive side by side.
Emma Hill said, “This is about far more than land. It is about creating a sanctuary where these incredible birds can flourish and where people can truly connect with wildlife. Seeing that vision become real has been a dream come true, and I am incredibly grateful to Alex at Peter Lynn and Partners and to Mark Standley for guiding me through a very complex process with such care and commitment.”
Peter Lynn and Partners Solicitors advised on the £780,000 purchase of the site, which was previously used for agricultural and equestrian purposes.
The intention was to secure a change of planning use to establish a specialist bird of prey attraction, bringing new opportunities for education and sustainable tourism to the local area.
The transaction involved tight deadlines, grant funding requirements and layered finance. Commercial funding was arranged with a lender, following an introduction by Mark Standley of Standout Capital Solutions, alongside additional support from the Development Bank of Wales.
Two charges were required on the property, requiring lender consent and careful coordination to keep the purchase on track. Initially structured as a conditional contract linked to planning, the deal evolved into an unconditional purchase to meet lender requirements.
This shift demanded clear legal advice and decisive action at every stage.
Commercial Property Solicitor Alex Kurtz-Shefford, who led the matter for Peter Lynn and Partners Solicitors, reflected, “Projects like this are hugely rewarding. Emma’s vision for the Centre is inspiring, and it was a pleasure to help navigate the legal and funding challenges to make it happen. It shows what can be achieved when strong professional relationships and clear commercial advice come together.”
For South Wales businesses with ambitious plans, the story is a powerful reminder that the right legal partner can help turn bold ideas into lasting success.
For more information on our commercial property acquisitions, such as this, please contact:
01792 450010
[email protected]
