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
Dawn Chorus Bird Watching Walk
5th May 2024
06:00am
This event will be led by talented ornithologist, Graham Giddens, and located at Needs Ore Nature Reserve. With over 20 years experience leading wildlife groups, you will be sure to get the most from your experience. Guiding you through coastal marshland, this carefully planned walk offers stunning scenery and ample opportunity to spot some birds...
Volunteers: Garden- Patio Area Weed and Tidy Up 2
10th May 2024
10:30am
Note the change of day of the week after the Monday Bank Holiday. A chance for those of you who are busy on Mondays??? The sequel to Patio area and Tidy up March edition where we had the rare necessity to abandon our efforts due to bad weather. So same as before, plenty of hands...
Volunteers: Conservation- Stock Fence Tidying and Removal
13th May 2024
10:30am
Some heavy lifting, rolling, squashing to do today as CET staff and volunteers visit various bits of Hartford Wood (some more accessible than others) to help remove our old deer stock fence which is close to being replaced by something lovely, shiny and far less rotten.
Little Owls: Flowers and Colours in the Garden
16th May 2024
10:00am
Join us in the garden as we enjoy the outdoors and discover the wonderful world of flowers in all their different colours. Please note: All Owls must be accompanied by an adult (who will be included in the Owl ticket), and we’re unable to accommodate non-participating younger siblings, including babies. We need supervising adults to...
Bird Watching Walk - Nightjar & Woodcock Evening
22nd May 2024
08:00pm
This event will be led by talented ornithologist, Graham Giddens. With over 20 years experience leading wildlife groups, you will be sure to get the most from your experience. Located within an area of ancient woodland, combined with good moonlight and anticipated high activity of Nightjars and Woodcock, there should be ample opportunity to spot these...