Nature Trail

Nature Trail

What is it? 

A nature trail is a planned outdoor walking route, along which are posts marking varying points of interest for people to stop and observe. They can include things such as nature, environmental features and objects of technological and cultural importance, and generally the marker posts have some information displayed for the walkers’ perusal.

What does it involve?

These sorts of trails can involve many different things, but they are all generally based around walking on a circuitous route or from point A to B. The lengths of the trails can vary from reasonably short 30 minute walks to taking many hours to complete – there are different types to include all sorts of different features.

Why do it and what are the benefits?

A nature trail is a great and easy way to get interested in the surrounding environment! The presented information means it requires no research on the things around you, so it’s hassle free and a alternative way of learning.

What equipment do we need?

You shouldn’t need any equipment other than appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear!

Who is it suitable for?

As long as you make sure the length and intensity of the nature trail is suitable for the ages of the students, it should be suitable for pretty much anyone!

Costs?

Most nature trails are generally free to access, but more specialist walks may have a guide available, which would have some costs! Make sure to check ahead of time.

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

Nature trails can take you a reasonable distance away from any towns, so if you have students with unpredictable medical conditions you must ensure you can call for medical help and that assistance can access your location easily! Also, young children should always be supervised carefully when in an unsecured outdoor location!

How do we include?

The nature of the outdoors means that the terrain can be rough or unpredictable, so those with physical disabilities may have issues navigating the route. Check with the trail’s organisers to find out the specific details.

Doing it abroad?

Foreign nature trails will be fascinating! They can give you a chance to see and learn about some of the features of different countries while seeing them in real life as opposed to pictures in books. Do some research beforehand to see what is going to be available in the area!

Main website: 

See specific venue websites for information about their nature trails.

Venues with this Activity

A spectacular stretch of coastline boasting dramatic cliffs

A great beach, and more: some of the best rock pools in the country, good surfing, masses of wildlife and views of the distinctive island - the Great Mewstone. Wembury is a great starting point for lovely inland and coastal walks to Wembury Woods and the Yealm Estuary, and around Wembury Point. Finish your trip with a slice of Gemma and Jennifer's home-made cake in the Old Mill Café.

Ford Castle is a Medieval castle set in the rolling countryside of Northumberland, with exciting activities hidden within the grounds. We provide group activity holidays for children who will adventure and explore their way into outdoor education as they enjoy activity sessions in a supportive environment with stunning scenery, where history comes to life.

Are you ready to Safari and come face to face with some of the fastest, tallest, largest and cutest animals around?... 

Then welcome to West Midland Safari Park, voted 'Most popular tourist attraction in the West Midlands' by children and parents from the region. 

The Discovery Barn

As one of the best family attractions in Essex there’s so much to do here at Barleylands Farm Park, Billericay whatever the weather. We’ve farmyard friends with daily animal activities including lamb bottle feeding, a huge Reptile House and awesome birds of prey. Race around the indoor play, and go wild in the outdoor play areas bouncing on our vast jumping pillow… boiiing!

South Devon Coast

Start Bay Centre is located above Slapton with stunning views across the Start Bay Coast. Each group has exclusive use of the converted old school. The recently refurbished Centre provides comfortable facilities with a friendly atmosphere. An enclosed garden includes a low ropes course, BBQ area and campfire circle.

Explore Constable Country

Flatford lies in the heart of the beautiful Dedham Vale.

Snowdonia

FSC Rhyd-y-creuau provides high quality residential outdoor learning and fieldwork for primary schools, secondary schools and university groups. We also have a range of courses and holidays for adults and families.

In addition to our two residential centres in Cumbria, FSC has a dedicated team of teaching staff who deliver full or half day courses for schools using the stunning locations found within the Lake District. A typical day begins at 10.00am when one of our teaching staff will meet you at your chosen site.

Exmoor

Nettlecombe Court lies in a secluded valley at the eastern edge of Exmoor National Park. The house is a striking example of a Tudor and Georgian country mansion set within its own grounds. The Centre has excellent access to the Somerset coast as well as  Exmoor National Park and The Quantocks Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

FSC Malham Tarn is an excellent base for primary school trips. At Malham Tarn we offer opportunities in both fieldwork and adventurous activities for primary school children.

Amersham Field Centre is located in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The FSC manages the centre and nature reserve on behalf of National Grid Transco. The 30 hectare site provides a mosaic of woodland, grassland and pond habitats for all ages to study.

In the Heart of Ancient Woodland

Epping Forest Field Centre is a purpose-built non residential centre located in a terrific Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation that provides excellent learning opportunities.  It has excellent transport links and is only a few kilometres from the M25 and M11 and from Loughton Station (Central Line for London Undergro

Nurture in Nature

FSC Bishops Wood is an excellent base for primary school trips. At Bishops Wood Field Centre we offer opportunities in both fieldwork and adventurous activities for primary school children. From Literacy through landscape to wilderness bushcraft designed to encourage problem solving and teamwork.

Occurring on 6th July 1685, the Battle of Sedgemoor lasted barely 5 hours yet it had far-reaching consequences. Why did it occur, who was involved, what happened afterwards? The answers to these and other questions are provided through a series of displays and an interactive kiosk that shows a short film of a Battle re-enactment performed by the Sealed Knot. 

Experience learning in the great outdoors with Magdalen. Magdalen Farm with its diverse landscape, animals and purpose-built residential centre provides a safe and secure environment to learn about organic farming, sustainability and nature.

Hatfield House is the home of the 7th Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury and their family. The Estate has been in the Cecil family for 400 years. It is an incredible building with a vast estate to explore.

Explore the biggest conservatory in the world

The Eden Project consists of 50m-tall Biomes, which house the world's largest indoor rainforest.

The Eden Project is an exciting attraction where you can explore your relationship with nature, learn new things and get inspiration about the world around you.

Experience the Great Outdoors

Northumberland National Park Authority is a conservation organisation. National Park status is the highest form of landscape protection in the UK. Of the 11 National Parks in England and Wales, Northumberland is the most northerly, most remote from large urban areas, least visited and least populated.

The fun starts the moment you arrive, with all the rides, the trail and the challenges it’s the perfect way to have some quality family time and get that all important exercise for everyone.

Unique learning experience

Glachbeg provides day programmes for schools and other groups using a tool box of resources which include a sustainable classroom, Shetland Cattle, sheep, poultry, small mammals, woodland, ponds, garden, fruit, cheese, butter, yoghurt, ice cream making, spinning, etc etc .

Finkley Down Farm is a fun-filled family experience for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Visitors can enjoy an exciting educational day out, with hands on activities with our animals. We have an abundance of different animals from large and small, to fluffy, feathery and even scaly!

At Nene Park Trust, we believe that an opportunity to participate in outdoor educational activities will enhance the learning experience of all children.

From the Discovery Den, our education centre at Ferry Meadows, we offer a range of educational activities, designed by qualified teachers, to tie in with National Curriculum requirements at all levels.

Durham Wildlife Trust wants to inspire and excite people of all ages in nature and the great outdoors. 

“Go Wild” at Dinosaur Adventure and treat your pupils to a monster day out!

An award-winning attraction with plenty for everyone to see and do, including our huge indoor adventure play area ‘DINOMITE’, plenty of animal handling sessions, large outdoor play areas, the Secret Animal Garden and Deer Safari, as well as the Dinosaur Trail and Neanderthal Walk.

Glorious house, surrounded by gardens, moorland and deer park

Welcome to Lyme Park. Nestling on the edge of the Peak District, Lyme Park was once home to the Legh family and, in its heyday a great sporting estate.

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