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
Volunteers: Garden: Grapes & Hops
14th September 2026
10:30am
Sorry, not the name of a new pub that’s opening more the case of two lots of vines which need some significant cutting back. A bit of a seasonal regular this one. Thanks in advance if you can join us.
Little Owls: Farm Fun
17th September 2026
10:00am
Today will be a full-on session! You will get to meet and feed some of our farm animals and play some animal games too. There will also be activities to stick in your scrapbook so make sure you don’t forget this today! If you are new to Little Owls we will provide you with a...
Big Owls and Eagle Owls Beach Clean
20th September 2026
10:00am
Today we will be doing a beach clean. How many bags will we fill today? And how much treasure and pretty shells will we find? Different ticket system – please read: We will meet you at the farm at 10am and drive you down to Needs Ore (a private nature reserve) in our minibus. We...
Volunteers: Maintenance- shelter building repair
21st September 2026
10:30am
Maintenance and construction projects don’t come along very often but here we are with our second in three weeks. well done to those who helped with the poultry house(very impressive) this is an altogether different challenge. At Longmead copse (well done if you spotted that is not what is shown on the event image but...
Evening Talk: New Forest Wildlife Park
23rd September 2026
07:00pm
The next exciting talk in the CET’s Climate Centre will be from Experienced Keeper & Keeper Experiences Manager, Shanna Dymond! It will be an educational & insightful evening introducing the stunning New Forest Wildlife Park, their history and development over the last 3 decades and highlighting their vital role in the conservation of a wide...