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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.

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: Farm- General Tidy up
Back on the farm today. Apologies we can’t be more specific on where our focus will lie but we are trying to tick off a few things this week and not sure yet what will still need doing. Probably some weeding, sweeping, gathering. Will also need to keep an eye on the weather as another...
Countryside Workshops: Herb Gardens for Wildlife
Horticulture Are you looking to start a herb garden from scratch, or encourage more wildlife to an existing patch? Have you ever wondered how to help a garden thrive in times of flood or drought, using sustainable materials?  In this session, you’ll learn how to design a herb garden with pollinators in mind. We’ll discuss how to choose plants and sustainable materials, and learn how to incorporate...
Little Owls: Join the Harvest
Join us for the harvest by creating your own model tractor. We will then harvest some veg and berries from the garden. 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 taking...
Countryside Workshop: Artists' Charcoal Making
Woodland Skills Join us to learn how to make charcoal for writing and drawing over the fire. We’ll collect the materials we need in the woodland and then create the charcoal on the fire. While it’s cooking, we’ll enjoy a hot drink and a snack – and then test our charcoal with some creative activities, writing and sketching.  We’ll be in the woodland for this session,...
Owlets: Farm Tour
Today we will have a farm tour to meet some of the animals. This will include rabbit cuddles, goat feeding and maybe even some pony grooming! 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...

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