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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
Daventry Country Park was created in 1968 as part of the nationwide Countryside Act. This movement sought to provide communities with green spaces to use and enjoy. The reservoir (130 acres of open water) was dug out and completed in 1804, taking eight years to finish.
Nearly 350 heactares of ancient woodland that is full of butterflies and moths. 2 trails have been set up so that everyone can enjoy them. Information boards along the way provide details of the species that you may see.
A Palladian Palace in the Norfolk countryside
Surrounded by 3,000 acres of rolling parkland, Holkham Hall is one the finest examples of Palladian architecture in England.
Unspoilt and fascinating medieval manor house, still a relaxed family home. Located in a green haven of riverside meadows and woodland.
Peaceful and attractive riverside park with lots of green space for informal play plus equipped play areas for toddlers and juniors, zip slide and BMX track.
On the quiet banks of the River Wye and offers tennis courts and a putting green, a rounders pitch and a charming foot bridge over to the historic Castle Green and Castle Pool.
The miles of tracks offer an opportunity to explore some of Dorset's internationally important heathland and its rare wildlife.
Explore a unique Hilltop Park via a thrilling Cable Car ride. Once at the Summit enjoy going underground on tours of two Show Caverns. In the Exhibitions get to touch a dinosaur fossil and see video shows, then burn off energy on the 2 play areas!
The childhood home of Anne Boleyn
Experience 700 years of history at the romantic double-moated 13th century castle once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I.
Discover magnificent award-winning gardens set in 125 acres of glorious grounds. No matter what time of year you visit you are guaranteed a breath-taking display.
Beaumanor Hall is a Victorian country house located in Woodhouse, Leicestershire. Set in 34 acres of idyllic countryside, Beaumanor has been run by Leicestershire County Council since the 1970s and offers a whole range of facilities.
Doe Park provides a variety of outdoor education and leisure courses. Activities on the water include sailing, canoeing, kayaking and raft-building. Outdoor Education programmes may also include pond dipping, nature trails, team building and initiative challenges.
The 1000-acres of Park and Forest at Moors Valley have something for everyone.
Horse riding lessons at Sherwood Riding school are great activities for kids.
It's a Nottinghamshire riding school with a difference, BHSI Instructor Sam and her team make learning to ride a horse easy and fun.
Our aim is to enable young people to develop through taking part in outdoor activities in a fun and safe environment. This simple aim has led us to develop our Centre that rivals commercially run Centres in terms of both facilities and activity provision.
As we are a charity we are able to maintain excellent value for money.
A deserted medieval village, one of the best-preserved examples in England, clearly visible as a complex of grassy humps and bumps. According to legend demolished as a den of thieves, but the real reason for its abandonment remains uncertain.
Among the 3,000 or so deserted villages in England, Gainsthorpe is one of the most clearly visible and best preserved.
A former gravel pit turned nature reserve and a good venue for families to explore
A 144 acre country park sandwiched between the villages of Harrold and Odell 10mls NW of Bedford. It features 2 picturesque lakes and a stretch of the River Great Ouse with wheelchair and pushchair friendly paths round the main lake and outdoor play areas.
here are small play areas at each end and opportunities to view plants and animals as you stroll round.
Yorkshire's Finest House & Gardens
Castle Howard is Yorkshire's finest stately home and garden near York. Grand interiors, gardens and an adventure playground make for a great family day out.
Experience the thrill and challenge of Quad Biking, negotiating a 250cc or 90cc Honda all-terrain vehicle, with a trek through our cross-country nature trail whilst enjoying some of the best views of the Taff and Rhymney Valley's in South Wales.
Welcome to our newly renovated education centre in a historic stable block, with purpose-built dipping pond, tree trail, arable fields and recently-planted orchard. Children can explore our 300 year-old farm and our varied woodland.
A full programme of events throughout the day including: Meet and Feed the Animals, Free Tractor and Trailer Rides, Children's Craft Sessions, Animal Racing, 2 Acre Willow Maze and Indoor and Outdoor Adventure Play Areas. Themed weeks during school holidays.A great family day out, come rain or shine.
Superb facilities: indoor and outdoor animals and play zones, crazy golf, bouncy castle, ringo slope, tractor rides and much more.
Whoosh down the fake snow slopes on inflatable ringos! Dig to Australia in the giant sandpit, and get your rev on with the pedal tractors! All under cover!
The sanctuary has a 'cuddle corner' where adults and children may handle baby rabbits, chicks, ducklings, kittens and new born mice and gerbils (when in season). A great place to take toddlers, Early Yeears and Primary children in particular if you are looking for visits out in Oxfordshire.
Working farm on the Old Yarr Estate with activities scheduled throughout the day including Animal Encounters, tractor and trailer rides, plus a giant sandpit and play area for younger children.
All our activity sessions are in small groups so you can enjoy a real personal touch and our friendly staff are always happy to answer any questions you have about our animals.
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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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