Trentham Monkey Forest

Trentham Monkey Forest provides visitors the chance to walk freely among 140 Barbary macaques in 60 acres of Staffordshire woodland. This is the only location in the UK where guests can experience such close encounters with free-roaming primates while supporting conservation efforts for this endangered species.

 

Woodland Walks Among Barbary Macaques

The forest features a three-quarter mile pathway that winds through the natural habitat of Barbary macaques. Visitors walk directly among the monkeys as they go about their daily activities in the woodland.

 

The 60-acre site serves as the largest primate habitat in the UK. The macaques live in family groups and display behaviors similar to those seen in wild populations.

 

Guests observe the monkeys playing, grooming, and interacting from remarkably close distances. The forest has operated since 2005 and houses approximately 140 individual macaques.

 

Beyond the main trail, the site includes two primate-themed outdoor play spaces and a monkey-shaped willow maze. A meadow walk and nature pond provide additional exploration opportunities for families.

 

Educational Talks and Conservation Efforts

Trentham Monkey Forest focuses exclusively on the conservation of Barbary macaques, an endangered species with fewer than 8,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Approximately 80% of current knowledge about Barbary macaque behavior comes from scientific studies conducted within similar parks.

 

The facility operates an interactive conservation room and a cinema showing a documentary about the species. Staff members provide information throughout visits to explain monkey behaviors and conservation challenges.

 

Visitor admission fees directly support conservation programs. The forest partners with the Primate Society of Great Britain, Barbary Macaque Awareness & Conservation, and Chances For Nature to protect wild primate populations. Special experiences like "Morning with Monkeys" allow guests to help feed the macaques while learning about their nutritional needs and daily routines.

 

For additional information, visit the Trentham Monkey Forest website.