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The Trust was set up as a charity in 1975 by Lord Montagu and the broadcaster, Jack Hargreaves. It is based on the Beaulieu Estate in the New Forest and is devoted to countryside education in all its varied forms.

We are an inclusive charity providing education and activities for the whole community. The Trust has grown over the years to become an organisation running a residential centre, a field studies centre, a farm and a community programme.

The Trust's overall aim is to promote and operate courses, activities and facilities that 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.

The Trust provides both day and residential courses which are based at the Out of Town Centre (our residential centre, farm and garden) and at the New Forest Study Centre (our woodland teaching facility).

Each year more than 1,300 children are able to enjoy our residential experience. These visits are planned by our expert staff in liaison with the visiting teachers with their stay usually running Monday to Friday. Other groups use the centre at weekends and during school holidays.

The Trust also provides one-day programmes for more than 8,000 people each year, mostly based at the New Forest Study Centre, but also at the Out of Town Centre and in other locations. Most courses are led by education officers, supported by placement students.

We also provide an extensive programme of informal education activities.

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