Our Team
The Experts Behind Yorkshire's Premier Falconry
Sandra Johnson
Partner
Sandra started the business in 2006 to fulfil a life-long ambition to work with animals. She especially loves working with the Owls at the centre and is always making more items for our gift shop.
Roger Johnson
Partner
Retired from insurance, Roger now works harder than ever keeping the farm tidy and managing our busy diary. He is a vital part of SMJ Falconry, and we wouldn't be where we are without his tireless help and support.
Chris Johnson
General Manager
Chris is the face, and the voice of SMJ Falconry. With a lifetime spent working with birds of prey, he leads experience days, oversees the welfare and training of the whole collection, and represents SMJ at shows, weddings, and events across the country. When he's not on the glove, he's behind the camera — building the social media community that's brought nearly a million people into the world of birds of prey.
Victoria Sippitt
Business Operations Manager
Vicki is Chris's Partner and she keeps SMJ Falconry running smoothly behind the scenes. From the moment you get in touch to the moment you leave, she's the person making sure your experience is seamless — managing bookings, communications, and everything in between. She also leads SMJ's social media content planning and handles the day-to-day business operations that allow the rest of the team to focus on what they do best.
William Durowse
Birds of Prey Instructor
Will brings a rare combination of hands-on experience and academic rigour to SMJ Falconry. Currently completing a Masters degree, his science-based approach to bird health, behaviour, and welfare sets the standard for how the team cares for the collection. Will leads experience days, school visits, and is the driving force behind the health monitoring programme that keeps every bird in peak condition.
Steven Hipwell
Birds of Prey Instructor
Steven is a core part of the SMJ Falconry team, delivering experience days with patience, knowledge, and genuine enthusiasm. Whether you're holding a Harris' Hawk for the first time or spending a full day learning the art of bird handling, Steven makes sure every moment is memorable. His calm, expert approach puts even the most nervous visitors immediately at ease.
Gill Carney
Birds of Prey Instructor
Gill joins SMJ Falconry with a background in veterinary nursing, bringing a level of animal health expertise that complements the whole team's approach to welfare. Alongside delivering experience days, she plays a key role in the health monitoring of the birds and oversees the care and cleanliness of the facility — ensuring SMJ remains a safe, welcoming environment for birds and visitors alike.
Our Residents
The Owls
Barn, Little, White Faced, Boobook, European Eagle, Siberian Eagle, Bengal Eagle, Snowy, Asian Brown Wood, Great Grey, Long-eared and Tawny.
Falcons & Hawks
Peregrine, Saker, Lanner, Gyr, Gyr Hybrids, Kestrels, American Kestrel, Harris Hawks, and Red-tailed Hawk.
Unique Birds
Steppe Eagle, Black-chested buzzard-eagle, Hooded Vulture, Black Kite, Red Kite, and our clever Raven.