About Us

Lancashire Bird Control is a North West–based, family-run bird control company, built on a lifelong passion for birds of prey and extensive hands-on experience working with raptors.

Cuerden Birds of Prey quickly established a strong reputation for professionalism, animal welfare and the quality of its displays. Each experience was designed not only to entertain, but to educate — giving people a deeper understanding of birds of prey, their behaviour, and their importance within the natural environment. The team regularly worked with large audiences, adapting displays to suit different venues while maintaining full control, safety and welfare standards at all times.

Alongside public-facing work, Cuerden Birds of Prey was regularly subcontracted by larger pest control companies to assist with specialist bird management projects. This included flying trained raptors to deter pest bird species at commercial and industrial sites, often where traditional methods had proven ineffective. These early contracts provided valuable, real-world experience in using falconry as a practical and highly effective bird control solution.

Through this work, the team developed a detailed understanding of bird behaviour in complex environments — from warehouses and manufacturing facilities to stadiums and urban developments. It became clear that the same skills used in falconry displays could be applied to solve real pest bird problems in a humane, controlled and environmentally responsible way.

As experience grew, so did an understanding of bird behaviour within commercial, industrial and urban environments. This naturally progressed into professional bird control services across the Northwest, with falconry-based deterrence forming a core part of the business, supported by domestic and commercial bird control, pigeon and gull management, bird proofing and solar panel proofing installations to deliver effective, long-term solutions.

Lancashire Bird Control is a family-run business.

The company is led by Richard Cookson, who remains directly involved in day-to-day flying operations, training and on-site bird control work. He is supported by his wife Carley, who plays an integral role in the business.

Molly, Erin and William are Richard and Carley’s children and have all grown up around birds of prey and wildlife. Molly works within the office, supporting administration and ensuring the smooth running of operations behind the scenes. The family’s background in falconry and wildlife continues to shape the values, standards and approach of the business.

Lancashire Bird Control is committed not only to delivering effective bird control solutions for domestic, commercial and industrial clients across the North West, but also to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, compliance and animal welfare.

The company and its individuals are BPCA Registered and fully compliant. All work is carried out in line with current legislation, best practice guidance and recognised industry standards.

Employees are trained to meet company standards and remain compliant through recognised qualifications and ongoing professional development. This includes the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) Certificate in Bird Management, Veterinary Health (NCBP), Raptor Awards, IPAF and IOSH. This is supported by regular in-house training and on-site assessments to ensure safe, consistent and effective working practices.

Training is ongoing, with a strong focus on bird behaviour, site risks and professional standards. This ensures all technicians deliver a reliable, high-quality service across all sites.

Richard Cookson is actively involved in several working groups through the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), including the Professional Standards Committee, Qualification Development Group and Bird Control Working Group. He is working to improve and grow the professionalism and use of falconry within the bird control sector, while supporting the development of industry standards and training pathways.

Richard is also a Raptor Awards Assessor, supporting the assessment and development of competency within falconry-based bird control and ensuring high standards of animal welfare, legal compliance and professionalism.

Lancashire Bird Control provides comprehensive bird control services, combining specialist falconry-based deterrence with practical control and proofing solutions.

Every site is assessed individually, and solutions are tailored to meet each customer’s specific requirements. Services include pigeon and gull control, domestic and commercial bird control, bird proofing, solar panel proofing installations, and specialist falconry programmes where appropriate. The team combines practical experience with a strong understanding of bird behaviour to deliver effective, responsible and sustainable bird control.

Above all, Lancashire Bird Control strives to provide a reliable North West bird control service that clients can trust, rely on and feel confident in.