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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
Owlets: Woodland Wanders
19th May 2022
10:00am
Join us on our Spring woodland wander through the ancient Hartford Wood, where we will be looking out for beautiful floral carpets of wood anemones and bluebells. We are not able to accommodate additional siblings at Owlets (this includes babies). We are trying to keep the total number of people in the...
Volunteers Garden and Info Evening
19th May 2022
07:00pm
A chance for volunteers new and old to get together, a short laid back bit of volunteering in the garden for 45 minutes before taking ourselves into our residential centre. Here we will have some light refreshments and give you some info on how we are organising the volunteer programme going forward and some of...
Volunteers-Farm
23rd May 2022
10:30am
Come and join us for an animal feed and getting some of our sheep ready for showing at the Sherborne Rare Breeds fair
Woodland Relaxation Yoga
24th May 2022
05:45pm
Gentle yoga at the Treehouses in the heart of Hartford Wood, suitable for any level and total beginners are very welcome. A lovely way to relax, unwind and allow yourself to feel connected with nature in an enchanting setting. It’s an excellent way to improve your flexibility, mental and physical wellbeing. All participants will need...
Volunteers- Garden
30th May 2022
10:30am
Today we will be based around the field kitchen and ponds at the far end of the garden. Giving the field kitchen a bit of a spruce up and trying to tackle some drainage issues in the pond