I was nervous going into my experience because I had never of left the UK on my own before. I wanted to volunteer in Peru first but decided to volunteer in Lisbon as it was closer to home and to provide me with more experience of travelling alone before travelling further away. I am glad I did this because I fell in love with Lisbon and had a great experience volunteering. I did plenty of research beforehand and could not find a bad review of IVHQ and therefore was why I chose to volunteer with them. Everything was well explained and the accommodation was lovely, with food available throughout the day and lovely staff. This experience gave me confidence, cooking skills, and pushed me out of my comfort zone. Would 100% recommend and even in the process of applying for my volunteer experience in Peru!
Biological Park Conservation Volunteer Project in Portugal - Miranda do Corvo
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
Program fees
What's included
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Project details
Want to help in the conservation of a Biological Park that houses birds of prey, brown bears, lynxes, iberian wolves, foxes, wild boars, deers and many other native species as a Biological Park Conservation volunteer in rural Portugal? International Volunteer HQ’s Biological Park Conservation project is a unique and exciting opportunity for volunteers to directly contribute to wild animal conservation in the countryside of Portugal. This center has a positive environmental impact and strong social inclusion mission.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
By joining the Biological Park Conservation project in Portugal, you’ll work at a center home to a diverse array of enclosed wild animals. Their mission is to preserve the country’s rich biodiversity, giving you the opportunity to learn about the threats to wildlife survival and actively promote biophilia and raise awareness among visitors.
Partnering with dedicated local staff, you’ll engage in a variety of exciting tasks, including:
- Maintenance of the Center: Ensure the safety and beauty of the park by checking and repairing enclosures, painting, cleaning, and enhancing pathways, and organizing spaces.
- Animal Care: Assist in feeding the animals and maintaining their water supplies.
- Pedagogical Farm and Riding School: Contribute to the educational farm and help out at the riding school.
- Nature Preservation: Participate in vital activities like tree cutting and fence building to protect and maintain the natural environment.
There is so much to learn here, and many initiatives to get involved in, you just need to ask!
Seasonal Tips
- Winter: Prepare for cooler temperatures ranging from 40-60°F (5-15°C) by bringing warm clothing.
- Summer: Stay comfortable in the heat, with temperatures between 77-100°F (25-38°C), by wearing light and breathable clothing.
If you’re passionate about wolves, don’t miss our Wolf Conservation volunteer project in Mafra, Portugal.
Why do Biological Park Conservation volunteering in Miranda do Corvo with IVHQ?
When you volunteer at the Biological Conservation project in Portugal you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving the lives of enclosed wild animals
- Supporting local conservation initiatives
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining park and wildlife conservation experience
- Immersing yourself in Portuguese culture
- Exploring Portugal’s countryside and wilderness
Volunteer requirements
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Volunteers need to have a good level of physical health and fitness to join the Biological Park Conservation project. Many tasks require medium to heavy physical effort, for example, carrying weights around 17lb/8kg on steep and uneven ground.
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Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers other projects in Portugal which are open to younger volunteers, and also alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
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All volunteers must speak fluent English, are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Portugal photo gallery
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
This was a very good introduction to solo travelling for me and a good way to get to know Lisbon and its culture better.
During my trip to Lisbon, I had the chance to meet people from various countries and professions. Interacting with them helped me gain clarity on my post-graduation aspirations. Moreover, I conquered my fear of dogs by volunteering at an animal shelter. Previously, whenever a dog barked, I'd instinctively scream and flee. Yet, with the encouragement of shelter staff, I started approaching, petting, playing, and understanding these dogs' backgrounds.
Just do it! The people are so friendly it’s so well organized and honestly it’s the best experience. :)
The ability to ask questions with someone from IVHQ when preparing for the trip was great and super beneficial for making the planning of the trip as easy as possible. The support of the local team was amazing and always there if you needed any questions asked. Being able to get up close and interact with the animals in the wildlife park was my favourite moment on the program. Meeting and forming connections with so many great people from all over the world had a massive impact on me. There's definitely something there for everyone so if you are thinking about volunteering, I'd recommend giving it a good consideration!
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
IVHQ’s Biological Park Conservation project is based at an ecological park in the town of Miranda do Corvo. Miranda do Corvo is a beautiful historic town and municipality in the old district of Coimbra, in the central part of Portugal. It is around 3 hours from Lisbon by public transport, or a 2-hour drive by car. Coimbra, the first capital of Portugal and the third biggest city in the country, is 45 minutes away. The area surrounding Miranda do Corvo is dotted with traditional Portuguese slate villages, hiking trails, medieval castles, and riverside beaches to relax on. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature in a remote location.
Arrival and orientation
The Biological Park Conservation program begins every Monday, and volunteers need to arrive in Lisbon the day before (Sunday). You will be picked up by a member of the local team from Lisbon Airport (LIS) on the Sunday before your program starts. You will then be taken to the volunteer accommodation in Lisbon for Sunday and Monday night. This is included in your Program Fee.
If you are traveling in Portugal prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a prearranged location in Lisbon on the day before your program orientation. Orientation is hosted by our Portugal team at the volunteer accommodation in Lisbon. It begins on the Monday morning of your chosen start date and lasts for a full day. The orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Portugal – an introduction to Portugal, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and an introduction to your project and placement.
On the day after your orientation (Tuesday), you will be dropped off at the train station, as you need to take a train to Coimbra and then a bus to Miranda do Corvo, where the Biological Park Conservation project is located. Once you have arrived at Miranda do Corvo, you will need to head to the volunteer accommodation on your own; however, the local team will provide you with instructions on how to get there. You will then meet the local coordinator and start volunteering on Wednesday.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays
Volunteers on the Biological Park Conservation Project will start volunteering on the Wednesday following their orientation. Start times and daily workload will vary but you will generally volunteer for up to 8 hours per day.
A typical schedule:
| 8:00 AM | Walk to the park for an initial briefing of your tasks and start working |
| 10:00 AM | Morning break |
| 1:00 PM | Have lunch at the project with the local staff and other volunteers |
| 2:00 PM | Continue volunteer activities in the afternoon |
| 8:00 PM | Dinner at the accommodation. |
Please note that the actual schedule can change according to the current needs of the project, seasonality and weather. Usually, shifts are in the morning but can also change to the afternoon or last longer.
Weekends Volunteers will have the weekends off and will be able to explore and enjoy the surrounding area or relax at the accommodation. It is also possible to take buses to Coimbra, Porto or Lisbon.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers will enjoy a cozy stay in an apartment located in the heart of Miranda do Corvo, just a 10-minute walk from the park. You’ll have the opportunity to room with another volunteer of the same gender. The apartment includes shared bathrooms and a communal living room, perfect for relaxing and socializing after a day’s work.
While the apartment doesn’t offer WiFi, this presents a unique chance to disconnect from digital distractions and fully engage with the local environment and your fellow volunteers.
Meals
Meals consist of traditional Portuguese food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant or at the park cafeteria. Breakfast is at the hotel, and they serve a great variety of food: fruits, breads, juices, coffee, milk, tea etc. For lunch and dinner, volunteers will have typical portuguese food (fish, pork, pasta, sides like rice, vegetables or potatoes etc.).
Tap water is fine to drink in Portugal.
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately CA$478) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $1,265 Equivalent to $90/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,775 Equivalent to $85/day |
| 4 weeks | $2,285 Equivalent to $82/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,805 Equivalent to $80/day |
| 6 weeks | $3,325 Equivalent to $79/day |
| 8 weeks | $4,365 Equivalent to $78/day |
| 10 weeks | $5,405 Equivalent to $77/day |
| 12 weeks | $6,445 Equivalent to $77/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately CA$478) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers on Lisbon based projects and on the Biological Park Conservation project generally find US$65 to be sufficient for basic weekly expenses. For those on the Wolf Conservation project, we recommend a weekly budget of US$150.
- Any changes or cancellations within 14 days of your start date are subject to a US$200 late change/cancellation fee.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Free-time experiences & tours in Miranda do Corvo
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Miranda do Corvo! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Miranda do Corvo program.
Enhance your Portuguese language proficiency at the most affordable rate while volunteering in Portugal.
Portuguese language lessons are available for those who join this project but they will only be available online.
Check what's required to visit Portugal
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Lisbon |
| Population | 10.46 million |
| Languages | Portuguese |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Time zone | UTC+00:00 |
Weather and climate: Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate with dry hot summers and mild winters. During winter, from December to February, temperatures are mild and vary from 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F). Summer, from June to September, is dry and hot with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 29°C (64°F and 84°F). Rainfall is heaviest in December/January and driest in July/August.
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