Staff Volunteer UpdatesA week in the Life of a CET Centre AssistantFriday 24th July 2026Learn More
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What we do
Established in 1975, The Countryside Education Trust’s mission is to connect people with the countryside. Forty years ago we were pioneers, but now we are experts! We introduce people to the wonders of the British countryside, rural life and farming. Our expert teaching team tailors national curriculum-based modules to the needs of each school and we have great feedback from our visitors.
Farm Life
We welcome schools all year, with an emphasis on hands-on, outdoor learning. Schools visit for a week, half a week or a day. Residential visitors experience daily life on the farm, collecting eggs from our hens for breakfast, helping with animal feeding and picking their own vegetables from the garden.Wild Life
Based at Home Farm in the New Forest, we also have Treehouses close by in ancient woodland. Blessed by a wonderful position, close to woods, a river, heathland and the sea, we have a variety of habitats on our doorstep and teach a wide range of environmental and bush craft activities.Local Life
Beaulieu village, the historic Palace House and monastery, and the National Motor Museum are all within walking distance. Slightly further afield is Bucklers’ Hard, a historic shipbuilding village, reached by a lovely riverside walk.-
- Schools trips in the forest
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- Pond dipping in the river nearby
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- Bird of prey
The Countryside for Everyone
We run regular playgroups Owlets (0-2), Little Owls (2-4) and Big Owls (4-6). The general public is welcome for family days and we hold a variety of events and courses throughout the year to introduce people to country living, rural crafts and wildlife. Home Farm is perfect for groups of families or friends who want to spend time in the countryside and our Treehouses host truly beautiful weddings.
Upcoming Events
Animal Feeding Session
14th August 2026
09:30am
Come down to the farm to join in with the morning animal feed. The pigs, chickens, goats and rabbits will all need breakfast and you will get to meet some sheep and ponies. Look out for eggs to collect too! This activity is suitable for all ages. Children will have plenty of opportunity to...
Owlets Garden Harvest
14th August 2026
10:00am
Meet us at the Climate Centre and we will visit the garden to see what is growing and take some things home. Please note: Ticket includes one child and an accompanying adult, and we’re unable to accommodate non-participating siblings, regardless of age. We need supervising adults to be able to give 100% of their attention to the child...
Animal Feeding Session
17th August 2026
09:30am
Come down to the farm to join in with the morning animal feed. The pigs, chickens, goats and rabbits will all need breakfast and you will get to meet some sheep and ponies. Look out for eggs to collect too! This activity is suitable for all ages. Children will have plenty of opportunity to...
Volunteers: Gardening- Harvesting and Greenhouse sort
17th August 2026
10:30am
Will depend on what is around and how hot it is but various possibilities for harvesting ( around this time last year we were already harvesting apples) Plum trees will need to be pruned soon but the orchard has given us very little this year. In the greenhouse the heatwave has made this a no...
Animal Feeding Session
18th August 2026
09:30am
Come down to the farm to join in with the morning animal feed. The pigs, chickens, goats and rabbits will all need breakfast and you will get to meet some sheep and ponies. Look out for eggs to collect too! This activity is suitable for all ages. Children will have plenty of opportunity to...