In 1956, Beale Park was formed by Gilbert Beale who decided to give this beautiful 350 acre, Thames-side park land to 'the people' by converting it from private farmland into a non-profit making, charitable trust. In those days it was little more than a track and a couple of ponds. Since the Trust was formed the bird collection in particular has advanced from a few peacocks to one of the foremost collections in Europe. The main source of funding for these important projects is from ticket receipts at the gate so Beale Park relies on its visitors more than ever before. Visitors are helping conserve rare and endangered birds just by coming to see the collection and enjoying a day out at this traditional wildlife park.