Wildlife NewsButterfly Counts for 2024Friday 18th April 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.Farm 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.Farm 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
Writer in Residence - Celebration Evening
2nd July 2025
07:00pm
New Forest Writer in Residence Yarrow Townsend has been based at the Countryside Education Trust for the last twelve months, following the seasonal cycles of the farm and the woodland. Join us for an evening in Hartford Wood to celebrate Yarrow’s writing – with readings from her poetry, extracts from her sketchbooks and workshops,...
Owlets: Sculpture Trail
4th July 2025
10:00am
We are going to take the opportunity to walk around the amazing sculpture trail in the grounds of the National Motor Museum and visit their playground “Little Beaulieu” before the schools finish for the summer term. There’ll be the option of purchasing refreshments from the café and looking at the gift shop on the way...
Little Owls: Teddy Bears Picnic
10th July 2025
10:00am
For this event we would love you to bring along a teddy bear or another soft toy and a picnic. There will be a teddy bear trail, games to play and some activities to be done in the garden. Hopefully we can pick some items that can be added to our picnics! As well as...
Private Sculpture Evening at Beaulieu
10th July 2025
06:30pm
Come along to our Private Sculpture Evening at Beaulieu in aid of the Countryside Education Trust. Entry includes a glass of wine, canapes, the Sculpture Exhibition and entry to Palace House. Free parking available. Photo credit to Stuart Martin
Eagle Owls: Animal Feeding
12th July 2025
10:00am
Grab your wellies and join in with the morning animal feeding. The pigs, sheep, goats and many more will be looking forward to seeing you. This session will be mainly outside so please make sure you dress for the weather. This event will be hosted at Home Farm. Please note: All Owls must be accompanied...