It all started with my first Harris hawk. I was 11, and my dad explained to me that having a hawk of my own would be a big commitment – not something to be taken lightly. Committed I was, and my falconry journey began.

Every Saturday morning was an exciting time of the week for me. We’d be up at first light, because dad was keen to get out in the field. I’d have my bird, he’d have his, and we’d go out flying. Those were happy times.

The same as every falconer, I quickly learned a lot about falconry equipment. The anklets, the jesses, the gloves – everything needs to work perfectly and fit the bird correctly.

At home, we made our own gear by cutting out leather pieces using a Stanley knife. Our methods were basic – sometimes we’d use things like a two-pence-piece for part of a template. Little did I know, I was on my way to becoming a leatherworker.

My love of animals and falconry only grew as I got older. After studying at Brooksby Agricultural College, I travelled in Canada, where I had my first experience of a large falcon being flown by an experienced falconer on ducks. It was inspiring to see that bird circling above me, gaining height, then ‘fizzing’ back down through the frosty air.

I returned to the UK in 2009, determined to make a living in falconry. It was the height of the financial crisis, but I managed to start a business flying birds professionally.

The job required falconry gear that was well-made, reliable and affordable to me at the time. Finding the right supplier seemed impossible, so I thought back to my experiences cutting leather pieces with my dad, and started making falconry equipment for myself.

Other falconers noticed my handmade gear, and some asked me if I could make bespoke items for them and their birds. I started making falconry furniture as a side hustle, and A Clarke Falconry was born.

From 2009-13, I rented a small unit for a workspace, and started crafting falconry equipment full-time. I had limited funds and little experience, but the response from my fellow falconers was incredibly encouraging.

Every bit of money I made from early sales went straight back into the business, so that I could buy machinery including a high-spec sewing machine and a clicker press for cutting out leather pieces.

I bought the clicker press second-hand from Wales. When I went to collect it, I found it broken in the middle of a big, empty factory. The seller had my deposit and then decided to double the price, so I had to borrow money from those around me to complete the purchase.

Starting up was no easy feat – but the payoff was well worth the struggle. As I learned and mastered my craft, I gradually expanded my range of falconry equipment, and made improvements to historic designs including a style of anklet that doesn’t require the bird to be cast. The name ‘A Clarke Falconry’ was becoming known to falconers around the world.

By 2018, I was approaching my 10th year as a craftsman, and it was time to get serious about running this business. I took the plunge and moved into my own premises, here in Grantham. It’s been a revelation to have a properly equipped home for our small, family business, where we can plan new designs and spend happy days cutting, sewing and finishing falconry equipment.

My approach to each piece of equipment that leaves the workshop is caring and meticulous. As a falconer, I know that every moment with your bird matters. If something goes wrong, the bird will remember it, and the relationship is jeopardised. The stakes are high, so you need equipment that’s reliable and comfortable for you both.

I also want you to take pride in how your bird looks, so each item is attractively designed and smartly finished. It’s satisfying to craft beautiful equipment, with carefully selected leathers, fine details and optional bespoke features such as coloured linings. When I see the finished product on the workbench, I can’t help but feel proud.

A Clarke Falconry customers come from all walks of life, ranging from hobbyist and pro falconers to royalty (literally). We may live and fly differently, but we’re all united by the love of birds, a passion for craft, and the understanding that good equipment is the glue that makes falconry whole.