Twelve birds of prey will have to be rehomed as shows at Rare Breeds Centre are set to end later this year.

Bosses at the attraction in Woodchurch have made the “difficult decision” to stop the displays in November as legislation changes will make it too expensive to continue.

The farm is run by Canterbury Oast Trust, a charity that supports adults with learning disabilities across the region.

Under the new legislation, as a holder of a full zoo licence, the centre would have to adhere to rigorous record-keeping requirements for every animal within its premises, rather than solely the 12 birds of prey which current record-keeping covers.

It means the charity would have to hire two new full-time members of staff to cover the admin duties needed to manage the farm’s 400 animals - something it does not have the funds to do.

Sarah Edwards, chief executive of Canterbury Oast Trust said: "This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, but we are first and foremost a working farm which exists to support adults with a learning disability.

“The additional requirements would mean running at a large loss, which diverts from our main aims as a trust.

“We will ensure our birds of prey will be rehomed by qualified professionals to ensure their welfare and wellbeing."

The announcement means all pre-booked birds of prey experiences must be redeemed by November 31.

Bird of prey experiences can still be booked until October 31.

The centre promises staff will work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the birds receive the best possible support in their rehoming process.

The attraction, which opened 30 years ago, monitors and works to secure the future of rare and native breeds of farm livestock. As well as the birds of prey, animals include cows, pigs and guinea pigs.