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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.

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: Garden-World planting day (week)
A few days early but as 21st March is World planting day it’s a perfect time to get involved. Second only to weeding in the CET gardening calendar it will be great to get something in the ground after our warm/wet winter. Not sure what we will be planting yet but whatever, the end result...
Volunteers: Tern Decoy Painting
Did you know that decoy birds can be used to attract birds to ideal nesting locations? Using a method called ‘social attraction’, birds will land near the decoys believing they are part of an existing nesting colony. This strategy is important in conservation work with endangered birds whose nesting sites have been threatened by disturbances...
Volunteers: Maintenance- Boundary Fence
It is fence time on the farm as we look to re-establish the boundary between the play area and the garden. Sometimes our residential guests are prone to wander and rebuilding this fence; as we head into a busy summer of entertaining visitors of all ages; is vital to help us re-establish the boundaries. Hammers,...
Big Owls: Animal Feeding
We are delighted to be able to welcome our Big Owls and their adult helpers back to the farm! 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, especially if you are bringing some tasty breakfast treats… Please note:...
'The Great British Spring Clean' at Calshot
YOUR FREE TICKET CAN BE BOOKED HERE: Great British Spring Clean at Calshot at Calshot Activities Centre event tickets from TicketSource The Great British Spring Clean is the nation’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign run by Keep Britain Tidy, running the 15th-31st March. As part of this campaign we are running a joint litter pick between...

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