Get involved in an organic park in Portugal. Join a team on the slopes of the Serra da Lousã to help care for the animals and maintain the park. All our solidarity programs in Europe here.
Over 350 native species in the biological park
Join an organic park in Serra da Lousã, Portugal, as an eco-volunteer. This biological park is dedicated to the conservation of endemic species, covering more than 3 hectares. It represents an island of biodiversity where all of Portugal's native flora and fauna are represented. It is home to 375 species, including rare animals such as the lynx and the Iberian wolf. You can observe several species of birds of prey (eagles, owls, etc.), grizzly bears (now extinct in Portugal), foxes, wild boar, deer, fallow deer, roe deer, goats and many other animals.
Raising public awareness of biodiversity protection
The park team maintains an ideal habitat for the animals, with all the essential stimuli to ensure their physical and emotional well-being. To constantly improve the quality of life for these species, the biological park has entered into several partnerships with organizations, universities and polytechnics. Open to visitors, one of the Biological Park's main missions is to raise public awareness of the need to protect biodiversity, notably through actions in schools.
Promoting biophilia
The park also promotes biophilia. The termbiophilia is formed from the Greek root bio (life) and the suffix phile (who loves). Biophilia is the love of living things. The concept was coined in 1984 by American biologist, naturalist and writer Edward O. Wilson. Biophilia is the study of human beings' need to connect with nature.
Inclusion of people with disabilities
Finally, on a social level, the park team pursues an inclusive policy. It employs a significant number of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
Volunteer in a biological park in Portugal
By joining the Biological Park, you'll be taking part in a range of wildlife protection activities, such as helping to care for the animals and maintaining the enclosures.
You'll also be involved in nature conservation tasks. Your days will be spent working as part of a diverse team, including staff with disabilities.
Example of daily tasks
- Maintenance: checking and repairing perimeter walls and fences, painting, cleaning and improving walkways...
- 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: taking part in tasks such as felling trees and building fences.
Dates
- Between 2 and 12 weeks
- All year round
- Sunday arrival
Rates
- 2 weeks: €1,590
- From 3rd week, €520 per week
Included in price
- Airport pick-up on Sunday
- Transport between Lisbon (where you'll be staying for the first two days) and the project
- Access to a common room
- Three meals a day
- Orientation on arrival: culture, volunteering, program 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 price
- Flights
- Airport pick-up outside Sundays
- Back to the airport
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
- Private room
- From age 18
- Language: English intermediate
- Being motivated
- Feel able to interact with people with disabilities
- Arriving on Sunday
- Between 2 and 12 weeks all year round
Housing
You'll be staying in a shared room in an apartment.
Food
For food, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available on request. You can also use the shared kitchen.
Climate
If you're traveling in winter, be prepared for lower temperatures, between 5 and 15°C, and bring warm clothing.
In summer, expect temperatures between 25 and 38°C (77 and 100°F), and wear comfortable, lightweight clothing.
Location
The project is based in an ecological park in Miranda do Corvo, a historic town in the old district of Coimbra, in central Portugal. The town is about 4 hours from Lisbon by public transport or 2.5 hours by car.
Arrival
Arrival on Sunday. We pick you up at the airport
During your free time, you can explore the Portuguese countryside with its picturesque villages, vineyards and olive groves. The Sierra da Lousã is a mountain range rising to an altitude of 1,205 metres. It's an ideal place for hiking.
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About the partner
ImpacTrip 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. ImpacTrip offers travelers the chance to integrate various projects, mainly in Europe. It is B Corp certified, meaning it reconciles social and environmental objectives with profit. The B Corp community works to reduce inequality, lower poverty levels, build healthier environments and stronger communities, and create more high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose. All Impactrip missions.
