Sussex Vineyard Turns to Birds of Prey for Sustainable Grape Protection

At Rathfinny Wine Estate in Sussex, England, a new approach is underway to protect ripening wine grapes as the 2025 harvest approaches. Instead of using traditional plastic netting, the estate has brought in a team of trained birds of prey to patrol the vineyards from dawn until dusk. The initiative is part of a trial to see if falcons, hawks, and even a Chilean blue eagle can keep seagulls, pigeons, and crows away from the valuable fruit.

The decision to use birds of prey comes as Rathfinny seeks to reduce its environmental impact. Sarah Driver, co-founder and co-owner of Rathfinny, explained that the estate has previously relied on nets to shield grapes from birds. However, as a certified B Corp company committed to sustainability, they are looking for alternatives. The plastic nets require frequent replacement and use many small plastic clips, contributing to waste.

This year’s harvest is expected to be particularly strong after a record hot summer in the UK. Rathfinny plans to begin picking grapes on September 25, about ten days earlier than usual. To protect the crop, a professional falconry team is deploying several types of birds for different tasks. A hybrid bird—a cross between a peregrine falcon and a Gyrfalcon—has been chosen for its speed and size, making it effective at chasing off larger birds like seagulls. Another hybrid, combining a peregrine with a South American Aplomado falcon, is agile enough to fly between vine rows and is well-suited for deterring pigeons.

Merlins, which are the UK’s smallest birds of prey, are also part of the team. They help chase away smaller birds that might settle in the vineyard to feed on grapes. Harris’s hawks are assigned to patrol the perimeter of the estate. The presence of a Chilean blue eagle—also known as a black-chested buzzard eagle—adds another layer of defense against crows and other persistent birds.

Driver noted that there is currently plenty of food available in the hedgerows surrounding the estate, which may help keep local bird populations satisfied without resorting to eating grapes. The use of birds of prey in vineyards is not new; similar methods have been used in California. Research published in 2012 in Conservation Biology found that introducing falcons could significantly reduce grape losses.

Rathfinny’s experiment aims not only to protect this year’s promising harvest but also to find more sustainable ways to manage wildlife in vineyards. If successful, this approach could reduce reliance on plastic netting and set an example for other wine producers seeking environmentally friendly solutions.