Delivering a sense of wilderness within an urban environment, visitors to Sutton Park can enjoy the captivating scenery, using an accessible network of paths.
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
The tremendous view from the top of Sutton Bank must rank as one of the finest in Britain.
Unspoilt beach, farmland and cliffs on the Jurassic Coast
Spend a day on this quiet stretch of the West Dorset coast where you can take a walk across the cliff tops above Ringstead, bring a kite, or pack a picnic and follow one of the steep ancient tracks down to the shingle beach. The water is incredibly clear and safe for bathing.
A secluded, unspolit beach at Ayrmer
Located next to the beautiful village of Ringmore, Ayrmer Cove is an amazing site with stunning open cliff faces and rock formations with views out to secluded coves.
One of Yorkshire's finest 18th-century landscape gardens, containing two temples
Discover one of Ryedale's true gems - the 18th-century landscape of Rievaulx Terrace. Stroll through woods, then out on to the terrace, with its stunning views down over the Cistercian ruin of Rievaulx Abbey.
Beautiful and breathtaking views on the Gower peninsula
Breathtaking Rhossili bay, with its three mile long sandy beach, is overlooked by the Old Rectory, the most popular National Trust holiday cottage. Visible on the beach at low tide are the remains of the Helvetia, a ship wrecked in 1887.
Spectacular escarpment with sweeping views across the Weald
This stretch of the North Downs is good walking country with flower-sprinkled grasslands and quiet shady woods. A lovely spot too for family picnics and games.
Sitting proud at the top of the Hill is the 19th-century Reigate Fort. The fort commands a historic defensive position looking out over the weald towards the South Downs.
A place apart where beauty and adventure come to life
From towering sea cliffs, rolling hills and heaths to the dunes and sandy beaches of Studland, nowhere else packs such a variety of landscapes into such a small area.
As a result, Purbeck is the richest place for plant life in Britain, home to 14 out of 17 British bat species and supports all six native reptiles.
Washington Wetland Centre, set on the banks of the River Wear, is a perfect destination for every type of group. In particular, we welcome school groups of all sizes, all year round.
Get close to rare and exotic birds, mammals and different wetland habitats. Walk with a warden, bug hunt or tour the duckery. You’ll also see colourful flamingos and the rarest goose in the world!
Learn about the remarkable history of the Washington family as our experienced and friendly guides take you on a tour through the history of the Tudor and Georgian house and furnishings. Hear of the events, both fortunate and disastrous, that led George Washington’s ancestor to leave England for a new life abroad.
Our 450 acre mosaic of pools, lagoons, reed beds, marshes and meadows provides a wildlife haven.
Hand feed the rarest goose in the world, see our colourful flamingos, go bug hunting or pond dipping, enjoy bird watching from our hides and explore the reserve to see butterflies, dragonflies and more!
Get your wellies on then!
One of the UK's largest urban Nature Reserves at a whopping 247 acres including a wide range of habitats great for exploring and nature spotting: woodlands, grasslands, heath land and wetlands plus way marked Nature and Sculpture Trails if you’re nervous about getting lost… given the size of the place a reasonable concern!
The Park contains wetlands, grasslands, woodland and heath supporting a wealth of animal and plant life on the doorsteps of Yardley Wood, Billesley, Springfield, Sparkhill and Small Heath.
An urban oasis for wildlife and people, just 10 minutes from Hammersmith. Stroll among the lakes, ponds and gardens. The café is perfect for relaxing, and kids will love the play areas.
Book a guided learning session
Step into a wilder world where wilderness and family-friendliness combine. Come and enjoy each season, from ducklings to migrating swans - you’ll be amazed at how close you can get to fantastic wetland wildlife.
Book a guided learning session
Olton Mere Sailing Club offers sailing, walking and fishing in the heart of Solihull. Olton Mere has provided a protected natural haven for wildlife and plants for over two centuries.
Get up close to Ireland's largest collection of native and exotic waterbirds, bats and migrant birds whilst taking in stunning estuary views. Our spring duckery tour is an unforgettable experience.
Miles of golden sand
Sweeping along the edge of the North Coast, this two-mile stretch of golden sand is one of Northern Ireland's finest beaches and affords views of Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple perched atop the cliffs. It is an ideal place for lazy picnics, quad-pod rides, surfing, slacklining and long walks into the sand dunes where wild pansy flowers dance in the breeze and common blue and dark gree
Come in and explore, learn, reflect and enjoy the natural environment
This exciting new interpretation centre showcases the special qualities which make the Llŷn Peninsula so unique in terms of history, culture and environment.
Come in and explore, learn, reflect and enjoy the natural environment, and get ideas for activities, walks, attractions and things to do on the peninsula.
The perfect setting for an Edwardian country retreat
'This is a delicious house...' remarked Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother on her honeymoon at Polesden Lacey. This country retreat, only four miles from Dorking and junction 9 of the M25, has glorious views across the rolling Surrey Hills and acres of countryside. It was home to famous Edwardian hostess Mrs Greville, who entertained royalty and the celebrities of her time.
With indoor and outdoor sports facilities to pre-book, crazy golf and pitch n putt to drop in on, and a playground, paddling pool and skatepark to access for free, this place has loads to do for kids of all ages!
Now the UK’s largest collection of parrots with nearly 2,000 birds covering over 100 species, but there’s not just parrots here, you will also see Marmosets, Meerkats, Lemurs, Giant Tortoises, Snakes, Kookaburras and many more.
Centres around a Tropical House in a spectacular jungle-like setting which includes a large water feature containing Red-Eared and other Terrapins. The outside exhibits include capuchin monkeys, meerkats, ring tailed lemur and more plus plenty of bird exhibits.
A Tudor farm, steeped in history, surrounded by a lovely park that is full of informal walks with plenty of wildlife to enjoy.
The animals are always around to meet in the enclosures and include Norfolk Black Turkeys, pigs, Shropshire sheep, Hereford cattle, plus a number of chickens, guinea fowl, ducks and geese!
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