Woburn Safari Park's environmental policy

Woburn Safari Park Sustainability Policy 2026  

Aligned with BIAZA sustainability policy guidance

1. Purpose and Scope

Woburn Safari Park is committed to operating responsibly, reducing environmental impact, and contributing positively to local and global conservation efforts. This Sustainability Policy outlines our approach to environmental management, biodiversity protection, sustainable resource use, and climate‑conscious operations.

The policy applies to all staff, contractors and visitors, and covers all activities relating to animal care, conservation, education, retail, estate management, and guest services.

2. Sustainability Commitment

Woburn Safari Park is dedicated to leading by example in sustainable practice. We aim to minimise our ecological footprint, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources, and importantly inspire positive behavioural change among visitors, staff, and partners.

We support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to national and sector‑wide sustainability objectives through responsible environmental management, conservation action, and public engagement.

3. Guiding Principles

Woburn Safari Park commits to the following principles, aligned with BIAZA’s Sustainability Policy and Guiding Framework:

• Compliance with all relevant environmental legislation and zoo industry standards.
• Annual review of this policy and associated objectives.
• Application of the precautionary principle to prevent pollution and environmental harm.

• Continuous improvement in environmental performance across all operations.
• Minimisation of non‑renewable resource use and transition to sustainable alternatives.
• Transparent communication of sustainability values, actions, and progress.
• Integration of sustainability into decision‑making, procurement, infrastructure planning, and operational management.
  
  

4. Key Sustainability Themes and Objectives

4.1 Energy and Carbon

Woburn Safari Park is committed to reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency through:

• Installation of solar panels on catering and animal buildings, with further expansion planned.
• Introduction of energy‑efficient lighting, heating, and equipment across the site.
• Incorporation of energy efficiency measures into new building designs e.g. The SEND facility demonstrates our commitment to high‑efficiency building design, with Part L compliance modelling predicting a 16.6% reduction in regulated CO₂ emissions relative to the notional baseline.
• Ongoing development of Scope 1 and 2 emissions data to establish a robust carbon baseline.
• Partnership with the Forest of Marston Vale to support tree planting and carbon‑balancing initiatives.
• Monitoring and reducing pollution associated with operations.

4.2 Water Management

We aim to reduce water consumption and protect water resources through:

• Efficient water use across all departments.
• Provision of potable tap water for visitors using reusable bottles.
• Replacement of inefficient taps and fixtures.
• Monitoring water usage and identifying opportunities for reduction.

4.3 Waste and Circular Economy

Woburn Safari Park continues to work towards a Zero Waste to Landfill commitment, acting to:

• Divert all waste from landfill through responsible waste management processes.
• Reuse suitable animal waste as fertiliser for hay production.
• Recycle office paper, batteries, and other materials.
• Working towards minimising the use of harmful chemicals and improving environmentally responsible storage, handling, and disposal across all departments.
• Encourage creative reuse of packaging for animal enrichment.
• Continue to reduce single‑use plastics and transition to biodegradable and compostable alternatives.
• Engage suppliers to reduce plastic packaging and increase cardboard use.
• Supporting circular economy principles through the sale of toys made from entirely recycled plastic in our retail outlets.
• Review waste streams regularly to improve recycling capacity and compliance.

4.4 Sustainable Procurement

We ensure responsible sourcing and procurement by:

• Selecting environmentally preferable goods and services wherever possible.
• Using FSC‑certified wood and carbon‑balanced paper.
• Ensuring catering suppliers use certified sustainable palm oil.
• Reviewing animal feed procurement to ensure sustainability and traceability.
• Prioritising ethical, sustainable, and low‑impact products.
• Working towards strengthening environmental and ethical expectations for suppliers and contractors, in line with sector sustainability guidance.

4.5 Food and Catering

Woburn Safari Park is committed to responsible and sustainable food provision across all catering and animal feed operations. We aim to minimise environmental impact through:

• Reducing food waste by improving stock management, portion control, and responsible disposal practices.
• Maintaining a palm‑oil‑free catering offer.
• Evaluating soy‑based products to ensure responsible sourcing, with preference given to suppliers demonstrating traceability and reduced deforestation risk.
• Prioritising ethically produced, low‑impact ingredients, including certified sustainable alternatives where available.
• Working with suppliers to reduce unnecessary packaging and encourage environmentally responsible production methods.

4.6 Travel and Transport

Woburn Safari Park recognises that travel contributes to environmental impact and is committed to supporting responsible visitor and staff travel choices through:

• Providing visitors with the opportunity to balance their carbon pawprint through our partnership with the Forest of Marston Vale, enabling tree planting and local habitat creation.
• Continuing to develop accurate Scope 1 and 2 emissions data to better understand travel‑related impacts.
• Working towards responsible fuel use for on‑site vehicles and machinery, reducing emissions where operationally feasible.
• Exploring future opportunities to reduce travel‑related emissions as part of ongoing sustainability planning.

4.7 Biodiversity and Habitat Management

Woburn Safari Park is committed to protecting and enhancing biodiversity through:

• Comprehensive biodiversity monitoring across birds, plants, invertebrates, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.
• Regular surveying and species identification training.
• Recognition and management of lowland dry acid grassland — a national priority habitat (LNRS).
• Planned habitat mapping to identify priority areas and wildlife corridors.
• Enhancement of wildflower gardens, ponds, hedges, deadwood features, and invertebrate habitats.
• Planned installation of swift boxes and other species‑specific conservation structures.
• Responsible management of field and pasture margins to support habitat connectivity.
• Integration of biodiversity considerations into estate management and new developments.

4.8 Education and Behaviour Change

We inspire sustainable behaviour through:

• Keeper talks and demonstrations focused on environmental issues.
• School programmes and community engagement.
• Cinema screenings highlighting conservation challenges.
  
  

5. Conservation and Community Engagement

Woburn Safari Park contributes to conservation through:

• Participation in captive breeding programmes to support sustainable populations.
• Genetic sampling through Nature’s Safe.
• Support for in‑situ conservation projects and fundraising initiatives.
• Tree planting through the Forest of Marston Vale.
• Rehabilitation and release of local hedgehogs in partnership with Deanshanger Hedgehog Rescue, supporting a declining native species and strengthening community conservation links.
• Research projects that support conservation technology and species recovery.
• Providing a platform for conservation partners such as wildlife trusts and community organisations.
  
  

6. Governance and Responsibilities

Sustainability governance is overseen by the Head of Conservation, Research and Zoo Licence, who ensures compliance with legislation, BIAZA policies, and internal standards.

Department managers are responsible for implementing sustainability actions within their areas. All staff share responsibility for sustainable practice and are expected to follow this policy.

6. Monitoring, Reporting and Review

Environmental performance is monitored through:

• Annual sustainability audits
• Review of energy, water, waste, and procurement data
• Biodiversity monitoring and habitat evaluation
• Reporting to senior leadership and relevant stakeholders

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, BIAZA guidance, or organisational priorities change.