Event NewsRun Beaulieu – 12th of OctoberThursday 14th August 2025Learn 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
Countryside Workshop: Dawn Chorus Birdwatch
4th May 2026
06:00am
Birds This birdwatching event will be led by talented ornithologist, Graham Giddens, and located at Needs Ore Nature Reserve. With over 20 years experience leading wildlife groups, you will be sure to get the most from this event. Guiding you through coastal marshland, this carefully planned walk offers stunning scenery and ample opportunity to spot...
Volunteers: Conservation / Maintenance Treehouse bonfire and tidy
6th May 2026
10:30am
Originally sold out but then postponed. Back on now with a couple of spaces available. It’s almost wedding season at the Treehouse and although our newlyweds love the rustic vibe we do want to make sure that we tidy things up a bit before the first lucky couple and their wedding party join us. Today...
Bridge and Cream Tea afternoon
7th May 2026
01:30pm
8 tables available Join us at Home Farm on Thursday 7th May between 1.30 and 5.00pm for an afternoon of cards in our beautiful Fort Climate Centre. Please book in groups of 4. Tickets are £15 a head including a delicious homemade cream tea! You can book through this website or alternatively, call us on 01590...
Countryside Workshop: Introduction to Smallholding
10th May 2026
10:00am
Learn the skills involved to look after and manage a selection of animals. This workshop is for anyone with an interest in animal management or those who may have a smallholding and want to learn more.
Little Owls: Colours and Flowers in the Garden
14th May 2026
10:00am
Flowers are emerging in the garden, there are so many colours to see if you look closely. Build your own model garden – and help us look after the flowers and veggies in ours! Have a wander through the garden and collect some colours for your scrapbook. Please note: Ticket includes one child and an accompanying adult, and we’re unable to accommodate non-participating siblings, regardless...