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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- Ragwort at Beufre Farm
21st July 2025
10:30am
Ragwort time again. This time at Beufre farm. The forecast isn’t too hot so hopefully it won’t be too onerous. The range of plant life in there is quite impressive but some are more welcome than others and help is essential with ragworts blooming very “nicely” now. Meet at home Farm and we will go...
National Coastwatch Evening Talk
23rd July 2025
07:00pm
The National Coastwatch Institute (NCI) is a charity run by volunteers who help save lives at sea around the UK coastline. This talk will cover a short history of the NCI and it’s stations. Our closest station is at Stone Point in Lepe Country Park and our presenters for this evening, Ian Davis and Andy...
Big Owls: Secret Life of Plants
24th July 2025
10:00am
Come and explore with us this session – we’ll be heading to the meadow and our woods to discover some of the special trees and plants which live there. Some big and proud, some quietly hiding away. Find out how clever they are and how they adapt and survive in a challenging world to help...
Pop-Up Shop - Small Animal Handling
31st July 2025
10:30am
We are celebrating our cuddliest members of the CET this month at our July pop-up shop. Our bunny rabbits, tortoises and guinea pigs all love meeting new people, so visit us on Thursday the 31st of July to give them a gentle cuddle or stroke. There will also be plenty of small animal themed...
Open Event: Explore Your Outdoors
7th August 2025
10:00am
Explore the woods and try a range of different outdoor activities Free entry, free parking and activity vouchers worth £3 per person for tickets booked in advance Woodland trail, bird watching, tug of war free and meet the sheep free for everyone Treehouse cafe CET pop-up shop Activity taster sessions to include: Archery Trailer...