There's a place in Somerset where the animals and birds come to meet you. Mervyn Hancock visits the Exmoor Falconry and Animal Farm

I'M ashamed to say that, having been born on the edge of Exmoor, I'd never heard of a farm where they keep everything from meerkats to falcons and offer a unique chance to try your hand at flying birds of prey.

Then a friend told me what a wonderful day she had enjoyed at the Exmoor Falconry and Animal Farm, where the residents of all shapes and sizes are so pleased to see you that some actually come out to greet visitors.

Five miles west of Minehead, there are all kinds of animals and birds to see, providing a great family day for the school holidays. As you wander out into the yard you will be able to meet Perky the blue and gold macaw and Milo, a friendly Catalina macaw. Their beaks can be sharp, but usually they are happy to be picked up on to a sleeve. Beware though, Perky likes earrings and glasses.

Wander through the cobbled yards and you will meet up with the meerkats and watch them play, sunbathe and keep guard duty in turns. Parrots will also entertain you here, and as you turn the corner you walk into the flying display area – always a hive of activity.

You mustn't miss Rosie the Welsh cob mare or Dula, one of the farm's Shetland ponies. If you fancy a gentle horseback ride, then that's available, too. Discover the new museum where you can also find a collection of old photos dating back to the 19th century, while the shop is packed full of home- produced herbs and mixes for you to enhance your cookery.

The great thing about this place is that it not only entertains you and the animals, but it also raises money for charity – much of the cash going straight back to help the endangered wildlife.

There's a chance to get hands-on with the animals and birds of prey by joining in animal handling sessions or participating in interactive flying displays. You can also book up for alpaca walks, miniature Shetland walks, a British birds of prey hour, owl hour, falcon hour and river trail hawk walk, or fly a Harris hawk to help to raise money for rehabilitation and animal welfare. The farm raised £2,200 last year by providing interactive experiences for all ages.

If you really want to get up close and friendly with birds of prey, you can book either a full or half-day with the falconry manager. After a brief tour, you'll fly a variety of birds to your gloved hand in the fields. This will include Anuk, the great grey owl, Tundra, a snowy owl, Scirrocco, a peregrine falcon, and Shammar, the peregrine saker falcon, along with a few others. This session forms the basis of the British Birds of Prey hour. After a break for coffee, you'll be taken on a river trail hawk walk with a Harris hawk, the bird flying free.

On a full day, you'll fly up to 12 different birds of prey with a farmhouse lunch included. It's a really special day, and very popular – book early.

The farm is easy to find just off the A39 at Allerford, between Minehead and Porlock, an hour from the M5 at Bridgwater, Taunton and Exeter and on the 38 bus route from Minehead.

Opening hours: every day 10am-5pm. Tickets: £7.50 for adults; £5.50 for children; under threes free. Call 01643862816 or visit exmoor.falcon@virgin.net