About Gigrin Farm
Gigrin Farm, famous for its Red Kite Feeding, attracts visitors from around the world. Located half a mile from Rhayader, hundreds of Red Kites feed here every day. It’s a breath-taking spectacle and is the best place in the UK to see and photograph wild Red Kites (including rare Leucistic Red Kites).
Founder, Eithel Powell
1992-1993
The farm, a working cattle and sheep farm, became the official Red Kite Feeding Centre in the winter of 1992/1993 following a request from the RSPB who had witnessed Red Kites coming in to feed at the farm. Mr Eithel Powell was putting out food (rabbit) caught by the family’s dog Jamie. At that time Red Kites were almost extinct in the UK but there was a pair roosting on the farm.
Because the birds were on the verge of extinction the RSPB was keen for the farm to feed the birds every day throughout the winter when the Kites’ natural food source was scarce, rather than just ‘as and when’. Up until that time Red Kites had been able to feed from fallen sheep carcasses but, due to a legislative change, farmers were required to remove any animal carcasses from land immediately. This removed a natural scavenging opportunity from the Red Kites.
This was a major step into the unknown for what was a very successful livestock farm but Mr Powell had the foresight to take on the challenge and agreed to feed the birds every day through the winter.
He was supported in this endeavour by his wife, the late Mrs Lena Powell, and his son, Christopher Powell.
The Kites continued to come in to feed but the only way for the family to consistently provide the meat that was needed to support the Kites was to buy it from local suppliers. Because of the expense involved the RSPB suggested that the farm could open to the public and charge an entry fee which would provide the necessary funding to buy meat for the birds. The family considered this and agreed that the farm would open to the public as the official Red Kite Feeding Station.
Over the years the Kites continued to feed and increasing numbers were seen at the farm. The feeding extended to include a daily feed not just during the winter months but throughout the year.
2005
Mr Powell sadly passed away in 2005.
The number of Kites visiting the farm at that time had grown to around 300 or so on summer days and up to 500/600 on winter days.
Because of the commitment needed to continue with the feeding the family had to decide whether to continue as a working cattle and sheep farm, or whether to focus solely on the Red Kites. It was decided to concentrate on the Red Kite feeding and the farm’s land was let to tenant farmers.
New Hides were built for the visiting public and for photographers.
2014
The Kites continued to visit the farm in increasing numbers, but public visitor numbers were dwindling and it was difficult to continue to fund the endeavour.
The farm recognised the need to diversify further to attract more visitors to the farm. Under the management of Mrs Dominique Powell the public facilities were expanded and upgraded to provide coffee shop refreshments and a more broad based gift shop.
2024
The Red Kite Centre has continued to grow and develop, attracting visitors from all around the world. It remains a family business and is now owned and managed by Mrs Dominique Powell and son, Mr Thomas Brickwood.
The Kites have been fed every single day here since 1992/93, they continue to thrive and are no longer endangered. We are very proud of what has been achieved and we continue to be in awe of the beautiful birds which visit the farm every day.