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
Volunteers: conservation- woodland survey
16th June 2025
10:30am
We are nothing, if not varied with Volunteer sessions at Countryside education trust. Prior to this it was a good physical workout in the pond. Today is a big change of direction (weather permitting) as we offer volunteers the chance to join Anna in Hartford Wood to do some proper woodland surveying . Insects, meadow ...
Environmental Book Club: 1 Evening with Writer in Residence Yarrow Townsend
19th June 2025
07:00pm
Join us in reading ‘The Map of Leaves’ by Yarrow Townsend in the first of a new series of Environmental Book Club Evenings at the Countryside Education Trust. Yarrow Townsend is the inaugural New Forest Writer in Residence based at the CET this year. Her novels for children focus on environmental issues in our...
Little Owls: Beautiful Butterflies
19th June 2025
10:00am
It’s finally summer! And at this time of year, there are usually lots of butterfly species that can be seen fluttering around the garden and the farm. Come along and take part in a re-enactment of the butterfly lifecycle, sow some butterfly friendly flowers, and discover a butterfly trail. We will also be making some...
Summer BBQ at the Treehouses
20th June 2025
07:00pm
Celebrate with us as we turn 50 years old and help raise funds for the Countryside Education Trust! Our Summer BBQ will be hosted at our award-winning treehouse venue in Beaulieu. This will be one day before the Summer Solstice so we hope you will see an extra lovely sunset as you listen to the...
Big & Eagle Owls: Animal Feeding
21st June 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. Please note: All Owls must be accompanied by an adult (who will be included in...