Vineyard deploys birds of prey to guard grapes

A winery in East Sussex has deployed a team of falcons, hawks and eagles to protect its grapes before they ripen.

A total of five different birds will be used across the Rathfinny Wine Estate near Polegate to hunt down pests as part of the trial.

The winery, which makes vintage sparkling wine, had previously used plastic netting and clips to deter birds from eating the crop.

The estate said introducing the imposing birds of prey was a more environmentally-friendly way of protecting grapes before harvesting.

The birds used include two different cross-bred peregrine falcons, a merlin, a Harris hawk and even a Chilean blue eagle.

The practice has previously been successful in France's Champagne region.

Sarah Driver, who co-founded and co-owns the winery, said: "We're always trying to reduce our environmental impact and the plastic nets need replacing every three to five years and require lots of small plastic clips to keep them in place.

"This year we're trialling a falconer who we hope will be more successful in keeping birds away."

Each bird has a different role to play in protecting the crop: peregrine falcons, the UK's fastest bird of prey reaching speeds of up to 200mph, are aerial hunters who will tackle birds in the air.

The small merlin is agile and able to weave between vines to deter small birds. And the Harris hawk and Chilean blue eagle, the largest in the falconry team, are tasked with patrolling perimeters to keep larger birds like crows and pigeons at bay.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.