In a narrow tree-lined valley just north of Lydney in Gloucestershire lies the Dean Forest Railway. Run almost entirely by volunteers it offers visitors the chance to soak up the sight, sounds and smells of travel on a rural branch railway operated by steam trains – and the occasional heritage diesel.
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
Far from the sea, but still a great view
Mariners Hill is much enjoyed by local people and dog walkers, who value its tranquil walks and excellent panoramic views of the Weald.
Superb subtropical garden, with special interest for families
Lose yourself in the three valleys of Glendurgan Garden - full of fun, natural beauty and amazing plants.
Discover giant rhubarb plants in the jungle-like lower valley and spiky arid plants basking in the sunny upper slopes.
A beautiful woodland garden and a fun place to be
Set in a tranquil secret valley this hidden woodland garden with a rich industrial past is full of surprises.
Spring brings carpets of bluebells, crocuses, and daffodils, then swathes of camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas, followed by hydrangeas and the summer wildflowers.
Discover secluded creeks on this walk following the River Dart
Crownley Wood is a small area of delightful woodland that has been left to develop and flourish naturally with little management.
Sessil oak, Ash, Beech, Sweet and Horse Chestnut and Sycamore are all to be found here.There's a circular walk through the woodland, taking in views across to Tuckenhay and Bow Creek a tributary of the River Dart.
One of the Isle of Wight's favourite beaches and biggest expanses of open downland
Compton Bay and Downs are at the the heart of the much loved open landscape of the south west of the Isle of Wight. It has all the elements of a great day out in the countryside. There is plenty of space for families, surfing and other non-motorised water sports and a part of the beach open to dog walkers all year round.
Interesting hillside garden with year-round features
Charming Emmetts Garden is an Edwardian estate that was owned by Frederic Lubbock, becoming both a plantsman's passion and a much-loved family home.
The garden was laid out in the late 19th century, and was influenced by William Robinson. It contains many exotic and rare trees and shrubs from across the world.
Paths wind through ancient oak woodland with sunny glades
Borthwood Copse is a delightful spot to wander amongst ancient oak and beech trees, sunny glades and chestnut and hazel coppice. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a red squirrel as it scurries through the upper branches in search of food.
Restored 18th-century mausoleum, set in peaceful woodland
Follow in the footsteps of the Darnley family, original owners of Cobham Wood & Mausoleum, and walk through the peaceful ancient cattle grazed woodland, once part of their extensive Cobham Hall estate, and view the beautifully restored mausoleum designed by James Wyatt.
Britain's Greatest Palace
Blenheim Palace is a monumental country house situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, residence of the dukes of Marlborough - the Churchill family. It is the only non-royal non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace and is a World Heritage Site.
The Palace
The York Environment Centre is managed by the Friends of St Nicholas Fields. We exist to promote sustainable living to people in York and the surrounding area. In 1994 we began work to transform this former landfill site into a Local Nature Reserve and the Environment Centre, which was completed in 2000.
Situated on a large inner city allotment site the Birmingham EcoPark is an environmental education centre which is owned and managed by the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country.
Lings Wood Environmental Centre is situated in Lings Local Nature Reserve, a magnificent, urban woodland covering over 22 hectares in the Eastern District of Northampton.
A haven on the east coast of County Antrim
A visit to Islandmagee is a trip back to less rushed and stressful times. A peninsula on the East Antrim coast steeped in history with cottages, rolling fields, quiet villages and spectacular coastline, it is a microcosm of the Northern Ireland countryside.
The Hockerton Housing Project is the UK's first earth sheltered, self-sufficient ecological housing development. Since the completion of the houses in 1998 Hockerton Housing Project has established itself as an exemplar of sustainable development locally and nationally.
As well as two working farm visitor centres (Sandwell Park Farm and Forge Mill Farm) there are nature areas, an aerial assault course (managed separately), an adventure playground, an RSPB Visitor Centre, woodland, meadows, farmland.
One of two farm visitor centres within Sandwell Valley Country Park. It is a working dairy farm where the main attraction is the herd of rare breed Hereford Cows.
It is a working dairy farm where the main attraction is the herd of rare breed Hereford cows.
Thornton Reservoir is a peaceful and picturesque location that offers a network of trails and footpaths around the reservoir and through the neighbouring woodland areas. There are also links with longer trails including the Leicester Round and various other public footpaths. This scenic reservoir also has a popular fly fishery, attracting anglers from all over the midlands.
A wonderful place for kids to let off steam and enjoy the outdoors. Follow the streams, dodge the waterfall and find Foo Dog and the Big Buddha hidden in our arboretum and wild garden.
Thee Visitor Centres and Country Parks provide a great place to enjoy ‘wonderful water, walks and wildlife’ all year round in the ancestral homelands of the Clan Semple at the gateway to Scotland’s largest Regional Park.
Restored to its former Edwardian glory, downstairs there are exhibition rooms explaining the fascinating history of the house's former occupants. An interactive train set, toy box and rooms full of antique artefacts. Outside, 7 acres of Botanic Garden to be explored and enjoyed.
The park is a pleasant stretch of open grassland for running and frisbeeing, with a Children's Playground. The main feature is an imposing ruin of part of the castle, surrounded on three sides by a moat.
Crazy golf, children's play area, 18 hole golf course, and plenty of open space and garden walks: all recently refurbished and well maintained.
The refurbished play area has a wide range of play equipment to offer a variety of physical and interactive challenges for all ages.
There's lots of fun to be had at this family friendly country park! With play areas, cycling and walking on surfaced paths and a large picnic meadow you can't go wrong for a family day out!
Feed the ducks at Ryton Pool, play games on the picnic meadow and burn off some more energy on our two play areas.
Woodland containing a great variety of wildlife, plus wonderful carpets of bluebells every spring. Look out for tawny owls, red foxes, and the 250 year old oak. Open all year and free to visit.
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