Cheshire Wildlife Trust is the leading environmental charity in Cheshire offering high quality environmental education field trips and sessions to schools or community groups. We provide fantastic opportunities for outdoor learning at a range of locations across the county all complimenting the National Curriculum.
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
Carey Outdoor Education Centre provides a fantastic venue for learning and living in the outdoors throughout the year. Educational groups, organisations and groups of friends are all welcome.
The magnificent Carew Castle has a history spanning 2,000 years. Set in a stunning location, overlooking a 23-acre millpond, the castle displays the development from a Norman fortification to an Elizabethan country house. There's plenty to see and do with an exciting summer-long activity programme.
See and feed our wildlife which includes Deer, Llamas, Goats. We have lots for kids to do including pedal tractor area, tractor rides, play area, lamb Llama and deer feeding (when available).
Schools
We have our own education centre where the pupils can gain valuable practical experience of animals in a natural setting.
We offer a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities. Please see the drop down headings for more information on each one.
Nevis Range welcomes explorers and adventurers of all ages. We have many activities for school and youth groups to take part in and would be delighted to host the perfect Adventure day that suits your group. All you need to do is choose one or more activities and we will organise the rest!
Sitting in the heart of the Cotswolds, Adam Henson's (of Countryfile fame) Cotswold Farm Park has a long-standing reputation for a fun filled day out. Children can interact closely with the animals and learn about farming, past and present.
An urban oasis for wildlife and people
London Wetland Centre brings the countryside to London and was voted the UK's Favourite Nature Reserve by the public in the Countryfile Magazine Awards 2012. Although close to the heart of the capital it is a haven of tranquility for both wildlife and people.
Waterperry Gardens are a magical place where you are surrounded by beautiful trees, shrubs and flowers, classical borders, modern planting, secret corners and long vistas.
Home to the renowned horticultural college between 1932 and 1971, the emphasis was on food production rather than spectacular ornamental gardens.
Riverside site of the sealing of Magna Carta
Seen by many as the birthplace of modern democracy, this picturesque open landscape beside the Thames was witness to King John's historic sealing of Magna Carta over 800 years ago on 15 June 1215.
Every year we engage thousands of people of all ages with their local environment where they make a positive difference to their community.
We manage 26 nature reserves around the county totaling almost 3,500 acres. We carry out conservation projects to create and restore habitats for wildlife, to ensure that the county's wild creatures have se
The Shropshire Wildlife Trust's aim is to give all children opportunities to enjoy being outside and discovering wildlife, so although the base is at the visitor centre we operate many activities in woodland nearby.
The Saturday craft fairs at our Visitor Centre are free to enter and include activities for children. We also offer a weekday range of arts and crafts workshops for all.
Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve is a peaceful place, with a rich variety of wildlife in its woodland, fen and reed bed habitats. Located in the beautiful Wensum Valley, the reserve is nationally and internationally recognised as important for its wildlife.
A wetland site of international importance for wildfowl. Up to 40,000 ducks, swans and geese visit each year. Excellent bird watching opportunities and fabulous views over the reservoir.
Chafford Gorges nature park offers 200 acres of green space for numerous wildlife and recreation for the 12,500 people living in Chafford Hundred.
Set in the stunning grounds of Bedfords Park, an historic parkland site of 215 acres, owned and managed by the London Borough of Havering. The nature reserve offers fantastic views over London and into Kent.
Stunning and innovative visitor centre built on a former landfill site, with superb views over Mucking Flats SSSI and the Thames Estuary (SPA). Footpaths and cycle ways in 120 acres of nature park, which will expand to 845 acres. Great birdwatching - and ship watching.
Every year thousands of young people take part in the exciting and varied wildlife and environmental education activities offered by the Centre of the Earth.
Set in a stunning nature reserve of 461 acres which comprises woodland, meadows, lakes and former plotland gardens. There are beautiful wildlife gardens and a museum of Plotland Life.
Providing panoramic views over the 870 acre reservoir. The visitor centre is set in mature woodland and has proved a popular bat roost, with a beautiful carpet of Bluebells in the spring.
It offers the visitor real peace and quiet and a chance to escape from it all. A wide range of habitats are on view here, including grassland, heathland and ponds.
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is the county's leading conservation charity run by local people for the benefit of local wildlife, with over 70 nature reserves - part of a UK network of 47 local Wildlife Trusts working to protect wildlife.
Expect the unexpected. Incredible innovation, devastating loss, remarkable survival and magnificent restoration. All in one place
Being restored to its 18th century beauty, with fascinating statues, follies and temples hidden around every corner of the garden for your students to discover on our Nature Trail, Croome is an incredible place to visit.
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The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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