Staff Volunteer UpdatesIntroducing our Youngest VolunteersTuesday 21st April 2020Learn 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
Volunteer Session - Conservation: Butterfly Count
13th August 2020
02:00pm
Help us gather data for the Big Butterfly Count Please bring a drink and a pair of binoculars if you have them.
Volunteer Session - Garden: Weeding and Harvesting
18th August 2020
11:00am
Weeding the vegetable beds and harvesting field beans. Please bring a drink and a pair of gardening gloves if you have them.
Birdwatching Walk: Woodland and River Birds
6th December 2020
09:00am
We will walk through the Countryside Education Trust’s Home Farm and down to the Beaulieu River. We hope to see wildfowl, waders and winter thrushes, tit flocks, goldcrest and finches.