Farm UpdatesEmily the New Year TurkeyTuesday 23rd January 2024Learn 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
Big Beaulieu Butterfly Count
26th July 2024
10:30am
Help us to record butterflies around the farm and the woods to contribute to the national big butterfly count 2024. You do not need to be an expert, just willing to give a bit of your time to take part in some citizen science and count some butterflies! We would suggest wearing long trousers and...
Volunteers: Conservation- Deer Fence Removal
29th July 2024
10:30am
Heavy posts, awkward wire fence, uneven ground and it could be really warm. Are we selling it to you yet? Not everything volunteer session is cute animals and pretty flowers. Come and join us and the Quad bike for a Woodland Workout! The task as the event title suggests is to take out as much...
Guided Walk: Examining Sea Level Rise in the Solent
11th August 2024
10:00am
Join us for a guided coastal walk from Lepe Beach. Along our walk we will discuss and examine the impacts of sea level rise on this part of the Solent. This will be an approximately 1.75 mile one way walk along the beach and one of our minibuses will pick us up at the other...
Little Owls: Animal Feeding
15th August 2024
10:00am
Grab your wellies and come down to the farm to 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! There will also be eggs to collect, mucking out to be done, and harvesting of...
Little Owls: Farm Fun
5th September 2024
10:00am
Our topic for September is Farm Fun. We will be taking everyone to meet the new animals who have arrived on the farm since Little Owls were last here and there will also be a sheep themed craft activity and some harvesting to be done in the garden. If you can, please bring a bag...