Since hearing about Gigrin Farm some years ago, I've been keen to visit and photograph the red kites. Having spent a couple of days there, I am now simply looking forward to visiting again! Chris Powell's enthusiasm for these birds and the other wildlife is clear to see, and I am sure anyone visiting will be made to feel as welcome as I was. Apart from it providiing fantastic photo opportunities, it's an awesome spectacle simply watching hundreds of red kites collecting in anticipation, and of course the frenzy of activity once the food is available.

There are several hides spread around the bottom edge of the feeding station, a couple of which you can book and you pay extra to use. One of these is the Tower Hide from where the BBC filmed for Springwatch.

One thing that surprised and impressed me was that there is much more to see than "just" the red kites, and I thoroughly enjoyed passing a leisurely Saturday morning following the Farm Trail. It's fairly hilly and the ground can be a bit damp and muddy, so some sensible footwear is worthwhile. The trail is marked out with yellow-topped posts, each one visible from the last, so you can find your way quite easily with just a little observation. There are also frequent seats for those who want to have a rest or who simply want to stay a while and enjoy the views and sounds. At one point the trail splits, giving you the option to take a shortcut and avoid further climbing if you're getting tired. However, it's worth going up the whole way.