Staff Volunteer UpdatesIntroducing New Trainee Sarah HuelinWednesday 14th August 2019Learn 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
Make and Bake - Plum Jam
1st September 2019
03:00pm
We’d love some helping hands to turn the plums we’ve harvested from our orchard into tasty jam that can be sold on our charity stalls later in the year. No experience needed, all equipment provided. We just need people keen to have a go and we’re going to make a big enough batch so that...
Bird Ringing
8th September 2019
08:00am
Participants will see birds being ringed and receive instruction on how to identify species and how to age birds. Likely species include kingfisher, a wide variety of warblers, hirundines and finches. There is no walk with this event just bring a chair and binoculars.
Little Owls Apple Day - Wednesday
11th September 2019
10:00am
Picking apples, craft with apples, juicing apples and most importantly eating apples! We need our Little Owls help to get the apple harvest going this year, it should be a good one.
Little Owls Apple Day - Thursday
12th September 2019
10:00am
Picking apples, craft with apples, juicing apples and most importantly eating apples! We need our Little Owls help to get the apple harvest going this year, it should be a good one.
Owls Club Beach Clean
21st September 2019
10:00am
Joint event for Big Owls and Eagle Owls This month we are doing our bit for the Environment by getting involved in the Big Beach Clean. This has been going on now for 25 years and for the past few years we have been going down to Parkshore on the third week of September armed...