Event NewsRun Beaulieu – 12th of OctoberThursday 14th August 2025Learn 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.Wild 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.Local 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: Garden- post winter sort out
19th January 2026
10:30am
Depending on the weather we will be tackling the various jobs that the winter months bring both in the garden and the greenhouse. Burning, weeding, covering up, tidying up etc. Layers ready.
Owlets: Pony Winter Walk and Hot Chocolate
23rd January 2026
10:00am
Join us for a winter walk with our Shetland ponies Lala and Po. They will lead us through the wintery woods and carry hot chocolate and snacks to enjoy along the way. Please note: Ticket includes one child and an accompanying adult, and we’re unable to accommodate non-participating siblings. We need supervising adults to be...
Volunteers: Farm- Police House (Southdowns grazing venue) orchard pruning
26th January 2026
10:30am
Main orchard pruning was completed just before Christmas but our other little remote orchard where our Southdowns sometimes graze now needs seeing too. Not so much to do here so may find some other little jobs around the farm depending on time. Meet us at the farm.
Little Owls - Seed Sowing and Farm Fun
5th February 2026
10:00am
Grab your gardening gloves and join us at the farm for some seriously fun seed sowing and activities. Come June, your flowers will be in bloom!
Big Owls: Tweets, Beaks and Flying Feats
19th February 2026
10:00am
Come and join us for fun crafts, games, and interactive tasks where you can learn more about our flying visitors. There is always a brilliant variety of our feathered friends in the woods! Together let’s discover why they enjoy coming to us just as much as you do, and find out some of the ways they live, thrive and...