Who are we?

We are a registered charity established in 1975 devoted to Countryside Education in all its varied forms. We are an inclusive charity providing education and activities for the whole community. We have grown over the years in stature and scope to become an organisation running a residential centre, a field studies centre, a farm and a community programme.

Why are we here?

Our overall aim is to promote and operate courses, activities and facilities which enable children and adults to learn about, understand and care for the countryside drawing on the diverse resources of the New Forest and the Beaulieu Estate.

Where are we?

We are based on the Beaulieu Estate in the heart of the New Forest in south-west Hampshire. We can offer a wide range of services to education and the wider community. As the Trust employs a team of professional education officers we can adapt our services to meet your particular needs. If you cannot see exactly what you are seeking on our site, please call and discuss things with one of staff. We exist to serve your needs, whether they be for a school group, a youth organisation, an adult education or recreational group or individual. Come for the day or evening or come and stay. We will be delighted to welcome you!

Our Educational Programmes Include:

Animal Habitats (KS 1-4)

Why do animals live where they do and what do they need to stay alive? Investigate their food, water, shelter and space requirements through various activities.

Bucklers Hard (KS 2-4)

Go back in time to an 18th Century village built especially for the shipbuilding industry (residential groups only).

Compass Orienteering (KS 2-4)

Pupils learn to use a compass and develop their new skills by completing an orienteering course which takes them round a small section of Hartford Wood.

Earth Walks (KS 1-4)

Walks which help pupils to look at the world from a different perspective. Pick from a number of activities for a tailor made walk.

Ecology (KS 3 & 4)

We offer a variety of fieldwork days through which you can investigate the biotic and abiotic factors which affect local ecosystems.

Farm Tour (KS 1 & 2)

Meet the animals and find out what life on a farm is like. An enjoyable, hands-on activity.

Habitat Orienteering (KS 2-4)

A good introduction to orienteering. Using a map, pupils work in small groups to find their way round Hartford wood and visit nine different habitats.

How We Used To Live (KS 1 & 2)

In the setting of our mock Tudor Cobb Cottage, learn what life was like in the 16th Century.

Minibeasting/Invertebrates (KS 1-4)

Discover that the woods are teeming with life and learn about the role of invertebrates in nutrient cycling.

Motor Museum Tour (KS 2-4)

This popular tour of the National Motor Museum traces the evolution of the motor car (residential groups only).

New Forest Heathland & Tourism Study (KS 3 & 4)

Investigate the effects of trampling on heathland vegetation and study the impact of tourism in and around the village of Beaulieu.

Plants & Trees (KS 1 & 2)

We offer a range of activities to help children learn about plants and trees, their role in the woodland, parts of the flower, pollination and seed dispersal.

Pond Dipping (KS 1-4)

Pupils use a net to catch animals that live in our ponds. Identify the creatures using a key and decide, using indicator species, whether or not the pond is polluted.

Senses & Adaptations (KS 1 & 2)

We provide several activities designed to help pupils understand how different animals have special adaptations which enable them to survive in the woods.

Stream Study (KS 2-4)

Walk from the source of Hartford stream on Beaulieu Heath to its lower reaches in Hartford Wood. Take measurements along the stream and identify various geographical features.

Sustainable Development (KS 2-4)

Pupils can learn about issues relating to sustainable development, including renewable energy and waste and recycling.

Teambuilding (KS 2-4)

The class become a team whose task it is to solve a series of problems and challenges by working together.

Victorian & Abbey Tour (KS 2 & 3)

Take a guided tour of the Victorian Kitchen in Palace House, and the 13th Century Abbey in Beaulieu (residential groups only).

Village Study (KS 2-4)

A small group activity where pupils follow a trail along Beaulieu High Street answering questions which touch on rural issues.

Woodland Crafts (KS 2-4)

In the setting of our mock Tudor Cobb Cottage pupils can try their hand at some traditional woodcraft crafts.