A PASSIONATE bird lover has set a sky-high fundraising target for a nearby bird of prey attraction.

Julie Narramore, pictured, who works at the Devon Bird of Prey Centre, has swooped in to the rescue after raising more than £1,000.

The funds will go some way to recover lost revenue during the lockdown closure of the attraction.

As part of ‘Red May’ Julie Narramore will walk, run or cycle every day of the month.

Julie, who holds the envy-inducing job title of ‘assistant falconer’, fears for the damage the lockdown will do to the park’s cash flow.

She said: ‘At this time of year the centre should be in full swing, open to the public offering displays, experience days, educational talks and also fulfilling contracts at other venues.

‘As it is, the centre is closed and our contracts suspended, some possibly cancelled all together this year.’

At the time of going to print, Julie had already raised £1,156 of her £2,000 target.

The timing of the lockdown restrictions has coincided with the beginning of the season for a number of family attractions throughout the county.

The Devon Bird of Prey Centre at Ipplepen, just outside Newton Abbot, is normally busy with visitors from April.

Julie said much of their custom would be lost since the Easter holidays were normally the start of the busy season.

Julie added: ‘Our income between Easter and September is what enables the centre to run over the winter and provide the constant high level of care that the birds need.’

Julie has been posting daily updates via her fundraising page, where she documents her work-outs and introduces virtual visitors to the parks feathered inhabitants. Visitors can get a taste of her passion for the variety of different birds housed at the park.

‘The birds and the centre mean so much to me,’ Julie added.

‘That’s what keeps me going in the tough moments and certainly some runs are more difficult than others.

‘I am so grateful for the support I have received and it means such a lot to The Centre at this uncertain time.’

To donate Julie’s daily workout, please visit: www.justgiving.com and search: ‘Julie Narramore’ into the box.