Wildlife NewsButterfly Counts for 2024Friday 18th April 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.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: Farm- Lamb events preparation
22nd April 2025
10:30am
The first of this year’s lambs are due any time now and through our Pop up Shop and a Young farmers event there could be some preparatory work with either the sheep or the paddocks in readiness for these. This session will certainly include an animal feed to begin with. After that it could depend...
Little Owls: What's in a Pond
24th April 2025
10:00am
This session we’ll be at the Treehouse learning all about what we can find in a pond. Take part in pond dipping, create some cool animal crafts to take home, and play some games! This session will be mainly outside so please make sure you dress for the weather. Please note: All Owls must be...
Pop-Up Shop: Lambs at the Farm
24th April 2025
10:30am
This months pop-up shop will have some new-born lambs for you to visit, perfect for a family outing! We will also have our usual products for sale.
Young Volunteers Morning: Lambing Time at the CET
26th April 2025
10:30am
This is a special event aimed at young people aged between 13-17 years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian (17 year olds can volunteer independently with parental permission). This volunteer morning is a great way to gain some practical experience and improve your skills here on our farm. This Spring event is lamb...
Volunteers Garden: Planting and weeding
28th April 2025
10:30am
It’s take off time in the garden, everything wants to grow, including the weeds. Some vegetable bed work will almost certainly need doing and with Milford plant fair next month we need to start planning and cultivating our produce.