Get involved at an organic park in Portugal. Join a team on the slopes of the Serra da Lousã to help look after the animals and maintain the park. See all our volunteer holidays in Europe here.
Over 350 native species in the nature reserve
Join an ecological park in the Serra da Lousã in Portugal as an eco-volunteer. This ecological park is dedicated to the conservation of endemic species across more than 3 hectares. It is an island of biodiversity where all of Portugal’s native flora and fauna can be found. It is home to 375 species, including rare animals such as the lynx and the Iberian wolf. You can spot several species of birds of prey (eagles, owls, etc.), grizzly bears (now extinct in Portugal), foxes, wild boars, deer, fallow deer, roe deer, goats and many other animals.
Raising public awareness of biodiversity conservation
The park’s team maintains an ideal habitat for the animals, providing all the essential stimuli to ensure their physical and emotional well-being. In order to constantly improve the quality of life for these species, the biological park has established several partnerships with organisations, universities and polytechnics. Open to visitors, one of the biological park’s main missions is to raise public awareness of biodiversity conservation, particularly through initiatives in schools.
Promoting biophilia
The park also promotes biophilia. The term ‘biophilia’ is derived from the Greek root ‘bio’ (life) and the suffix ‘phile’ (to love). Biophilia is therefore the love of living things. This concept emerged in 1984, spearheaded by the American biologist, naturalist and writer Edward O. Wilson. Biophilia is the study of the human need to connect with nature.
Inclusion of people with disabilities
Finally, from a social perspective, the park’s team pursues an inclusive policy. It employs a significant number of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
Sign up to volunteer at an organic farm in Portugal
By joining the Wildlife Park, you will be involved in various activities related to wildlife conservation, such as helping to care for the animals and maintaining the enclosures.
You will also carry out nature conservation tasks. You will spend your days working as part of a diverse team that includes staff with disabilities.
Examples of daily tasks
- Maintenance: checking and repairing boundary walls and fences, painting, cleaning and improving paths…
- Animal care: helping to feed the animals and checking their water supply.
- Farm and riding school: support for the educational farm and riding school.
- Nature conservation: helping with tasks such as felling trees and building fences.
Dates
- Between 2 and 12 weeks
- All year round
- Arrival on Sunday
Prices
- 2 weeks: €1,590
- From the third week onwards, €520 per week
Included in the price
- Airport pick-up on Sunday
- Transport between Lisbon (where you will be staying for the first two days) and the project
- Access to a communal room
- Three meals a day
- Orientation on arrival: culture, volunteering, programme details and safety
- Guided tour of the city with tips on how to explore it
- Ongoing support throughout your stay
- 24/7 emergency assistance, just in case (provided by Impact Trip)
Not included in the price
- Flights
- Airport pick-up (excluding Sundays)
- Back to the airport
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
- Private room
- Ages 18 and over
- Language: English (intermediate level)
- To be motivated
- Feeling able to interact with people with disabilities
- Arrive on Sunday
- Between 2 and 12 weeks, all year round
Accommodation
You will be staying in a shared room in a flat.
Food
As for food, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available on request. You are welcome to use the communal kitchen.
Climate
If you’re visiting in winter, be prepared for lower temperatures, ranging from 5 to 15 °C, and bring warm clothing.
In summer, expect temperatures of between 25 and 38 °C (77 and 100 °F) and wear comfortable, light clothing.
Venue
The project is based in an eco-park in Miranda do Corvo, a historic town in the old district of Coimbra, in central Portugal. The town is around four hours from Lisbon by public transport or a 2.5-hour drive by car.
Arrival
Arrival on Sunday. We’ll pick you up at the airport
In your free time, you can explore the Portuguese countryside with its picturesque villages, vineyards and olive groves. The Serra da Lousã is a mountain range that rises to an altitude of 1,205 metres. It is an ideal place for hiking
Tous les avis sur les missions Impactrip
About the Partner
Our partner is a social enterprise whose mission is to support and strengthen the work of non-profit social and environmental organizations. The company was founded in 2015 by Rita and Diogo, two social entrepreneurs who wanted to change the way people travel. The organization offers travelers the opportunity to take part in a variety of projects, mainly across Europe. It is B Corp certified, meaning that it combines social and environmental goals with profit. The B Corp community works toward reducing inequality, lowering poverty levels, creating a healthier environment, building stronger communities, and generating more high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose.
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