Who are we?
Ben Ward
Ben Ward – Director, World Jungle
Ben’s life and work have always been shaped by a deep curiosity about how people live, learn, and connect. Having grown up across several countries — including the USA, Germany, France, and Switzerland — he developed an early appreciation for diverse cultures and ways of life. This naturally led him to study Social Anthropology, exploring what helps communities thrive.
As Director of World Jungle, Ben brings over two decades of experience in youth, play, and community development. His career has included roles such as South West Regional Manager for Play England and leading rural regeneration projects with the Countryside Agency, as well as hands-on work with some of the region’s most vulnerable young people.
Ben is passionate about helping communities become more active, creative, and connected with nature. He thrives on developing new ideas and collaborative projects that bring people together — from outdoor play and wellbeing programmes to large-scale festivals and climate action initiatives.
Alongside his leadership work, Ben is a qualified Zumba and Yoga Instructor, as well as a Life and Health Coach, combining physical movement with personal growth and wellbeing. Whether leading a team, dancing under the Big Top, or playing a quick game of cricket, Ben brings energy, creativity, and a genuine belief in the power of community to change lives.
Jane Manning
Jane Manning - Director, World Jungle
Jane is passionate about wellbeing, movement, nature, and community. With over 30 years’ experience working across diverse communities — from inner-city Bristol to rural Gloucestershire — she has built a career dedicated to helping people live healthier, more connected, and more creative lives.
Jane originally trained as a Secondary School Teacher in Design & Technology and taught both in the UK and abroad, including time in Egypt and Ghana. Over the years, she has managed multi-agency learning, health, and training programmes with budgets of up to £1.2 million and programmed major festivals such as Cabot Circus Event and Gloucester’s World Together Festival.
A lifelong dancer and teacher, Jane is a qualified Fitsteps, Zumba, and Older Adults Fitness Instructor, as well as holding a Pilates Mat Work Diploma.
Alongside her community work, Jane is deeply committed to holistic health. She is currently expanding her practice through studies in Essential Oils and Functional Medicine Health Coaching, integrating these approaches into her work with both individuals and groups.
Since co-founding World Jungle in 2006, Jane has led a wide range of successful projects locally, nationally, and internationally — from wellbeing and youth programmes to climate action and community festivals. In 2015, she was a finalist in the Gloucestershire Women in Business Awards, recognised for her outstanding Contribution to the Community.
Richard Davis
Richard Davis – Artistic Director, World Jungle
Richard has been a central figure in Bristol’s music and cultural scene since the 1970s. He began his musical journey in 1975 with the legendary African dance and drumming group Ekome — a name meaning “unity” or “togetherness” in the Akan language of Ghana — whose performances brought the vibrant rhythms and stories of West Africa to communities across the UK.
Over the decades, Richard has performed widely as both a singer and percussionist, including with local Bristol bands such as Moonshot, where he continues to sing and play congas. His work spans live performance, community projects, and television, reflecting his commitment to using music as a bridge between cultures and generations.
As Artistic Director of World Jungle, Richard plays a key role in shaping the organisation’s creative direction. He brings infectious energy and deep cultural knowledge to every project, from festivals and school workshops to community fundays, where he inspires people of all ages to make music, move, and connect through rhythm.
Passionate about West African music, culture, and community celebration, Richard is a much-loved part of the World Jungle team — a true cultural ambassador whose joy, generosity, and experience continue to enrich everything we do.