Welcome to Pensthorpe
Pensthorpe is the ultimate destination for discovery and an action-packed day out for the whole family. Here you can explore magical gardens, take a trail through our internationally recognised reserve, and get up close with feathered friends.
Natural Beginnings
Pensthorpe as we know it today was founded by visionary conservationist Bill Matkins. He designed a sustainable gravel extraction process, removing over one million tonnes of gravel from the site. The result of his hard work was a stunning 200-acre site and one of the most biodiverse nature reserves in England.
A new Era
In 2003, Pensthorpe's owners Bill and Deb Jordan bought the park, with a plan to preserve its character and develop it further. They've grown the site to a staggering 700 acres, and their enthusiasm and focus on conservation led to Pensthorpe becoming home of the BBC's Springwatch programme from 2008-2010, elevating its status and reaching new audiences.
Our purpose and vision
We’re here to nurture nature today and bring it to life for tomorrow. We want to grow beyond our hedgerows and habitats, strengthen and sustain our local roots, and become the place for courageous conservation, unrivalled wildlife education and everyday adventures.
Pensthorpe Conservation Trust
Started in 2003, the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust plays a pivotal role in ensuring the park and its inhabitants will be around for generations to come. Working with partner organisations, it strives to be a centre of excellence for habitat management and restoration, and the conservation of bird species.
Volunteer with us
Whatever your interests or back
ground, there’s a place for you at Pensthorpe. With three different volunteer roles on offer, you’re sure to find something that pricks up your ears. Choose between gardening and visitor interaction. You might be tending to our award-wining gardens, sharing stories with our visitors, or feeding some of our beloved birds. Occasionally we have spaces for volunteers in practical conservation, but at present we are not looking for volunteers in this area.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteers are key to the success of Pensthorpe and a volunteering opportunity here can be a hugely rewarding and enriching experience. Not only will you be contributing to the maintenance and development of our beautiful park, you’ll be learning something new, making friends and enjoying time out and about in nature.
Take a look at our volunteer perks:
- You’ll be fed and watered – with a free lunch in our café and unlimited tea and coffee to keep you fuelled.
- You’ll receive free training to help you develop the skills you need, and you’ll be surrounded by friendly people who want you to have fun.
- You’ll receive free entry to the park, so you can come and visit as often as you like.
Take a look at our frequently ask questions for more information.
Pensthorpe Jobs
Work somewhere wonderful
Working at Pensthorpe is unlike anything else. Our ‘office’ is where other people come to walk tranquil trails and marvel at meadows; be brave, be bold and blow off steam; and learn about nature from those in the know. Here, thanks to our flock of fantastic staff, little adventures happen every day.
Pensthorpe people
We pride ourselves on our positive, open, accessible approach – it’s what makes it so wonderful to work here (and for our visitors too!). If you’re passionate about sharing your knowledge, love learning something new, strive for better every day, and aren’t afraid to stray from the path to make progress, you’ll fit right in.
