News ArticlePigs on Pannage – the Adventures ContinueWednesday 28th December 2022Learn 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
Volunteers- November 30th: Conservation- Deer Fence Clearing
30th November 2023
10:30am
A proper workout in the woods today. An extra session this week as we head back to Hartford Wood. Today will involve some heavy lifting in places today as volunteers are needed to help clear an area either side of our deer fence. Some tricky access points too but should be a rewarding session as...
Big Owls: Christmas Crafts
2nd December 2023
10:00am
Ho ho ho! Big Owls are invited to come and make some Christmas Crafts with us at the Treehouses. We are not able to accommodate additional siblings at Big Owls. We need supervising adults to be able to give 100% of their attention to the child taking part...
Little Owls: Festive Fun
7th December 2023
10:00am
Join us for some Festive Fun on the farm. We are not able to accommodate additional siblings at Little Owls. We need supervising adults to be able to give 100% of their attention to the child taking part in the session to ensure that everyone gets as much as...
Volunteers: Farm- Animal feed and fence/hedging check
11th December 2023
10:30am
A curious combination of buckets and clipboards today. Helping with the morning animal feed routine, will be followed by pairing up for walks around the farm. Checking fences and hedges. More planting needed? Posts need repairing/replacing? An inventory completed with your help will tell us just what we need to try to get done before...