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
Volunteers: Maintenance Poultry Fencing
16th March 2026
10:30am
We are almost as excited as our chickens to be able to improve/redesign and rebuild the fencing in our poultry area. A fair bit of hammering and heavy lifting today so not for the faint hearted. Experience is not essential if you are feeling fit enough and potentially ready to learn new skills then come...
Evening Talk - New Forest Water Watch
18th March 2026
06:45pm
Come along to hear from Gill Hickman about this new initiative setup by New Forest Friends of the Earth to promote citizen science water quality monitoring within the National Park. This series talks are taking place thanks to funding from the Championing Coastal Coordination Project. Keep an eye out for more watery events and initiatives!...
Big and Eagle Owls: Animal Feed
21st March 2026
09:30am
Join us at the farm to meet the animals and help with the morning feed. There will also be eggs to collect and some mucking out to do so make sure you wear your wellies! 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...
Countryside Workshop: Hartford Stream Walk
22nd March 2026
10:00am
Guided Walks We’ll take a walk along the Hartford Stream which is an excellent example of a New Forest stream on the Beaulieu Estate. As you walk you will learn what lives in and around the stream. Keep an eye our for deer prints and birds of prey flying overhead. We will also discuss its...
Volunteers- Garden: World planting day
24th March 2026
10:30am
A Tuesday for this one just for a change and an opportunity for the “can’t do Monday” people . Well we are a few days late https://www.ecocalendar.eu/PlantingDay but we always try to get close to the date of this global event to kickstart things in our gardens. Certainly be some planting but also lots to...