ANYONE expecting to find fluffy yellow chicks at Rievaulx Abbey this Easter is in for a big surprise. The birds taking to the sky will be highly effective hunting birds, as the historic site near Helmsley turns back the clock 100 years for a series of displays of Victorian falconry.

On Easter Sunday and Monday, visitors to the abbey will see some of the skills of the Victorian falconer, re-created by expert re-enactors Mike and Emma Raphael, as their highly trained birds of prey take to the skies above Rievaulx’s soaring arches.

Hawks and kestrels will show their predatory skills, while a beautiful eagle owl will be on display between shows.

Victorian Falconry at Rievaulx Abbey runs from 11.30am to 5pm on both days, with the abbey open from 10am to 6pm daily. Admission costs £6 for adults, £5.50 for concessions and £4 for children, or free for English Heritage members.

For more details, phone 01439 798228 or visit english-heritage.org.uk/rievaulx