Nestling beneath thickly wooded hills alongside the River Tay, Dunkeld has an air of timeless tranquillity. In Cathedral Square and The Cross, the Trust has restored 20 houses, some dating from the rebuilding of the town after the Battle of Dunkeld in 1689.
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 natural pier with dramatic cliffs and Victorian fort
Brean Down is a wonderful location for a day out in Somerset. Enjoy relaxing on the beach at the foot of the Down, building sandcastles and visiting the Cove Café for a seaside treat.
Venture to the top of the Down and take the exhilarating 1.5 mile walk along Somerset’s greatest natural pier.
Leicestershire's Most Popular Countryside Destination
Whether you want to explore this 840 acre country park with friends or family for a day enjoying the outdoors or want some peace and tranquility Bradgate Park is a must-visit. Take along a picnic, camera or your walking boots!
Bradgate Park was first enclosed as a deer park around 800 years ago.
One of the UK's leading outdoor activity centres
Dukeshouse Wood has had a whole raft of new adventure activity features installed to become one of the country’s leading residential activity centres. The activity park in the grounds houses many of these new additions including a quad bike track, zipwire, outdoor laser, Jacob’s ladder, an outdoor climbing and abseiling tower and leap of faith.
The origins of the Centre date back to 1963 when this beautiful site on the banks of the Medina Estuary was identified as a great place to set up a sailing school, by a group of Christians from a variety of church backgrounds.
Set in the internationally renowned Orford Ness nature reserve, the Orford Ness Pagodas are cold war relics on a shingle spit in Suffolk, built to test Britain’s atomic bombs. Here the bombs’ detonators were put in pits and subjected to the shocks they might experience on their way to a target, to ensure they wouldn’t go off prematurely.
Excellent water facilities, accommodation, a campsite, Family Fun Park, Life Fitness Gym and marvellous nature trails for cycling and walking.
The National Memorial Arboretum is the perfect venue for developing an understanding of Remembrance, memorials and the impact of conflict. It provides a relaxing place where current and future generations can remember loved ones, whilst wandering through growing woodland. There are over 300 memorials within the 150 acres of the arboretum.
A stimulating environment in which children and adults can connect with the countryside.
Manor Farm offer a range of activities upon request and subject to availability. All the activities can be adapted to suit your school group’s needs and to relate to the National Curriculum.
NWT Cley Marshes, only 6km from Holt, provides groups with great opportunities to explore both coastal and wetland habitats. Include a visit to our award winning eco-friendly visitor centre. Your group can find out about its green sedum roof and innovative green technologies including wind turbine and rain water harvesting systems. The panoramic view across the Marshes is stunning.
At Ringsfield Hall we wish to 'be with' children, not to 'do to' them, and to offer a nurturing approach, taking us to the children's side of the experience, not the adult side.
This spectacular wetland site covers an area of 450 hectares following the River Idle northwards. The size of 600 football pitches, it is one of the largest sites for nature conservation in the East Midlands.
· Fun, interactive and exciting sessions designed to engage youngsters and to experience the natural environment in new ways.
· We have an outdoor classroom site next to Margrove Heritage Centre. It has a mixture of woodland, meadow and ponds with access along a secluded footpath.
Stunning 18th-century landscape garden and haven for nature
A taste of the country on the edge of the city.
Discover fine Derwent Valley views, winding paths and refreshing open spaces while exploring our elegant buildings and ruins.
Grace Dieu Priory was an Augustinian priory near Thringstone in Leicestershire. It was founded around 1235-1241 by Roesia de Verdon and dissolved in October in 1538. Guided walks take place throughout the year.
Ghosts at Grace Dieu Priory
The Holly Lodge Centre provides an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy and learn from a series of hands-on experiences focusing on the rich natural environment in the unique setting of Richmond Park.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s HQ, the Wolseley Centre, is one of the county’s hidden gems and it's completely free 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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