More than just a Zoo…
Come volunteer with us!!!
We are more than just a Wildlife Park and Gardens—we’re a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of rare and endangered species. With 35-acres of wildlife zoo and an additional 315-acres of estate, we provide a home to 160-species of animals and serve as a vital resource for leisure, education, and conservation in Berkshire. Our passionate team works tirelessly to protect wildlife and maintain our beautiful estate, but we couldn’t do it without the incredible support of our volunteers.
If you’re 18 or older, have at least 1 day a week to spare and share our love for animals and conservation, we’d love to have you on board! Volunteering at Beale Park is a fantastic way to get involved, meet like-minded people, and make a real difference. While there are no hands-on opportunities with the animals, there are plenty of ways to contribute, from assisting our Estates and Gardens team to supporting our Visitor Experience team during events.
In return, not only will you be part of our conservation mission and visitor experience but you'll:
- Gain Valuable knowledge and experience
- Be part of a friendly, welcoming team, connecting with people and spreading the word about the vital conservation work we do at Beale Park
- Meet new people and build confidence
- Receive full training for your volunteering Role
- Get discounts in our Wild Café and Gift Shop whilst you volunteer with us
- Gain free entry to the Park
- Be included in staff events and volunteer appreciation days
Interested? Complete the application form at the top of this page to register your interest and find out more!
We’d love to hear from you.
I would like to volunteer
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Volunteering Opportunities
General Volunteer
There is always lots going on and lots to do in our beautiful Wildlife Park and Estate so why not join us as a General Volunteer where no 2 volunteering days will be the same. You'll work across a variety of our departments, determined by wherever the greatest need lies on the day. This could see you helping the estates team with painting or grounds clearance one day, lending a hand preparing lunch for some of our wonderful animals the next, and then helping with an event or simply providing information to our visitors the next time you're in. The possibilities are endless but whatever you're doing, you'll be given the relevant training, equipment and support from our staff team to make it an enjoyable day.
EstatesTeam Volunteer
Our small Estates Team are always looking for help with keeping the Park looking neat and tidy for our visitors. Volunteers helping the Estates Team can expect to be involved in tasks such as grounds clearance, painting, litter picking and generally keeping our guest facilities spick and span. There will also be times when we'd need help with some of our bigger projects such as enclosure builds and improving our visitors experience areas.
If you think you'd enjoy the variety that volunteering in this department would offer, and you are physically up to the tasks mentioned above, we'd love to hear from you.
Events Team Volunteer
From time to time, Beale Park hold fun events on the Beale Park Estate. Due to the increased number of visitors expected at these events, we need help from volunteers to help make these events run smoothly and safely.
We need help with such tasks as:
- Setting up/closing down the event
- Marshalling the car parks/directing traffic
- Providing visitors with directions/information
- Keeping the events area tidy
- Selling raffle tickets
- various other tasks specific to the particular event
If you have .......
- A friendly, fun loving and approachable personality
- A general level of fitness in order to assist with the set-up/close downs
Are able to .......
- follow and issue instruction well
- and are calm under pressure
we would love to hear from you.
Please note that our events are held outside in all sorts of weather conditions
Gardens Volunteer
Join our Wildlife Park Gardens Team and help nature flourish — right in the heart of a zoo!
Love gardening and being outdoors? Join our welcoming Gardens Team and help keep the wildlife park’s beautiful grounds looking their best. And yes, your “office” could have the sound of chattering squirrel monkeys, and singing exotic birds in the background!
You might be:
- Weeding, digging, planting, or watering
- Pruning and caring for plants
- Keeping paths and beds neat and tidy
- No mowing, hedge cutting, or power tools required — just good old-fashioned hands-on gardening.
We’d love to hear from you if you:
- Are enthusiastic about gardening
- Are physically fit enough for tasks like lifting, kneeling, digging and working in tight spaces
- Can give at least 4 hours on one day per week, or better still, a full day a week.
This is gardening on a large scale, in all weathers, with plenty of fresh air, stunning surroundings, and a friendly team spirit. We’ll match your skills to where they’re needed most — and your work will help make the park a place visitors love to explore.
If you’re ready to dig in, we’d love to hear from you!
Beale Park Charitable Objectives
At Beale Wildlife Park and Gardens, we are immensely proud to be a charity dedicated to the conservation and development of endangered and vulnerable animal species. Our mission extends beyond providing sanctuary and exceptional care for these animals, as we actively participate in their conservation and engage the public in meaningful educational experiences. As a charity, our objectives are:
Animal Conservation and Sanctuary - We work tirelessly to conserve and develop endangered and vulnerable animal species, providing a safe haven where they receive the best possible care.
Promoting Biological Diversity - We strive to protect and enhance the physical and natural environment, promoting biological diversity to maintain healthy ecosystems for both wildlife and the public.
Educational Advancement - We are dedicated to educating the public about the conservation and protection of the environment, engaging visitors of all ages through our dynamic educational programmes and initiatives.
Sustainable Management - We ensure the sustainable development of our land, creating a varied and biodiverse habitat that benefits our native British, local wildlife.
Our commitment to giving back - The Child Beale Trust was established by Gilbert Beale with a vision of creating an amenity for the public and wildlife. From its beginnings as a "Peacock Farm", the Zoo has grown over the past 60 plus years, expanding its mission and resources. We now manage 35-acres of Wildlife Zoo and Gardens, and an additional 315-acres of estate, providing a home to 160-species of animals and serving as a vital resource for leisure, education and conservation in Berkshire. For us, giving back encompasses our conservation efforts, educational programs, and community engagement. We focus on making our facilities accessible to everyone, recognising that entry fees can be a barrier for some. We collaborate with other charities who share our aims and purpose. We give back through:
Education - We provide a dynamic learning environment that inspires and educates the public about wildlife and environmental conservation. Through interactive animal experiences, daily keeper talks, workshops and school visits, we engage visitors of all ages, making learning about animals and their habitats both fun and informative.
Conservation efforts within the Zoo - Our conservation efforts include housing and breeding endangered species. For example, our Eurasian Lynx enclosure, one of the largest in the UK, has led to the birth of 2 Lynx kittens. This success story, along with educational interpretation boards and feeding experiences, helps raise awareness of the Lynx's plight in the wild.
Conservation efforts within the wider estate - We manage 40 acres of arable land to grow pollen and nectar, supporting a year-round habitat for birds and wildlife. Our Dormouse monitoring program in Tookie Woods has boosted the population of Hazel Dormice, adding to the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme. We also work with various organisations to enhance and restore floodplain habitats, and we manage hedges to ensure a diverse structure for native wildlife.
Community Engagement - We partner with several other charities to offer free trips to the Zoo for those who would benefit most but may not otherwise be able to afford it. Our Partners include the Make a Wish Foundation, Mustard tree, Jigsaw Creative Care and more. We also offer Zoo Club scholarships for local Pupil Premium children, allowing them to participate in our after-school Zoo Club courses.
All of our initiatives mentioned above have significantly impacted wildlife conservation, education and community engagement. We breed endangered animal species, participate in national research projects, and offer dynamic learning experiences. Our efforts ensure broader community access to conservation and education opportunities.
Thank you for joining us in our mission to make a positive impact on the world. Together we can create a brighter future for wildlife an the natural environment.
