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
Volunteers: conservation-coppicing
21st November 2024
10:30am
It is that time of year again. Another season of coppicing has begun, the vital and rewarding element of the management of Hartford woods. Watch our video to remind yourself what it is all about. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qaP__Ug1ag Some of our regular volunteers might be able to spot themselves. Please note this again is going to be...
Volunteers: Farm Maintenance- Farm Door repair and painting
25th November 2024
10:30am
Time to have a revisit and give some of our farm doors some TLC. Definitely painting perhaps some repairs too so wear something you don’t mind getting some paint spatters on.
Fundraising Christmas Craft Event
30th November 2024
10:00am
Charity craft event to raise money for the CET. This event is kindly led by one of our talented volunteers who is an experienced crafter and runs a local crafting group. As well as raising money for CET you will get the opportunity to: Create 4 items: A gift box with parchment decoration, iris folding...
Volunteers- Garden/Garden Maintenance- Soft fruit pruning and Veg bed construction
2nd December 2024
10:30am
A provisional ambitious intention to combine soft fruit pruning with veg bed construction that we could not get onto a couple of weeks ago. If we can do both then there is something for everyone. Soft fruit pruning is definitely happening though, so if you are all about the gardening then this is definitely for...
Little Owls: Christmas Party
5th December 2024
10:00am
‘Tis the season to be jolly! Little Owls are invited to join us down at the farm for a merry Christmas party. We’ll be making Christmas crafts, playing festive games, and let’s not forget the mince pies! Please note: All Owls must be accompanied by an adult (who will be included in the Owl ticket),...