Staff Volunteer UpdatesA week in the Life of a CET Centre AssistantFriday 24th July 2026Learn 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
Animal Feeding Session
4th September 2026
09:30am
Come down to the farm to join in with the morning animal feed. The pigs, chickens, goats and rabbits will all need breakfast and you will get to meet some sheep and ponies. Look out for eggs to collect too! This activity is suitable for all ages. Children will have plenty of opportunity to...
Volunteers: Maintenance(farm)- Poultry house construction
7th September 2026
10:30am
Afre last week’s pruning we are swapping plums for plumblines this week Nearly always we approach volunteers with a “come and have a go” mentality and whilst this construction task is nowhere near the level of some of the incredible work that has gone on at our treehouse in recent years; we do suggest with...
Pine Martens in the New Forest: Evening Talk
9th September 2026
07:00pm
Come along to the Climate Centre at the Countryside Education Trust where Marcus, Director of Wild New Forest Guided Tours, will be giving a fascinating talk exploring the lives of Pine Martens in the New Forest. For more than a decade, Marcus has been studying Pine Martens across the New Forest, building an increasingly detailed...
Owlets: Apple Adventures
11th September 2026
10:00am
It’s apple season! Today we will meet you in the Climate Centre at the farm before doing some apple picking and having fun with apples!. Please note: Ticket includes one child and an accompanying adult, and we’re unable to accommodate non-participating siblings, regardless of age. We need supervising adults to be able to give 100% of their attention...
Countryside Workshop: Jam Making
12th September 2026
01:00pm
Self-sufficiency Join our small, exclusive group for a hands on afternoon of preserving. This will be based in our residential centre and will incorporate a little bit of produce gathering in our garden. All ingredients will be provided and we aim to send you home with your own creation of strawberry jam and roasted tomato...