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.

 

See the list below for venues and providers who deliver this activity:

Threave Estate

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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The estate is split into four main elements:

Threave House, a restored Scottish baronial-style house;

Threave Garden, made up of landscaped gardens and themed 'rooms';

Threave Sculpture Garden, containing over 30 works by Scottish sculptors; and

Threave Nature Reserve, featuring landscape ranging from wetlands to woodlands.

Please contact the Ranger service for further information.

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Abbey Green Park

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Abbey Green Park is one of four green spaces in North Warwickshire dedicated as Local Nature Reserves.

Abbey Green LNR is situated within the larger Abbey Green Park along its northern boundary. A series of backwater channels connecting to the River Anker intersect the site. 

Abbey Green Park was created after the land was open cast coal mined in the 1950's and early 1960's. The Council acquired the site in 1972.

The site is situated in the Anker Valley and is one of several important wildlife sites interconnected by the River Anker.

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Murlough National Nature Reserve

An extraordinarily beautiful dune landscape
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and managed as Ireland’s first Nature Reserve since 1967.  It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching due to its spectacular location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains.

There is a network of paths and boardwalks through the dunes, woodland and heath from where you will see an array of butterflies and wild flowers, as well as access to one of the finest beaches in Co. Down.

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New Forest Northern Commons

A beautiful sprawling wilderness to explore for retreat and adventure
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The New Forest Northern Commons comprise of five commons that we care for. Each one is a unique landscape of woodland, heathland, mire and grassland, shaped by man and nature since the Bronze Age.

A thriving working forest, the sense of tradition and rural practices remain today. The beautiful sprawling wilderness offers opportunity for both retreat and adventure. Whether escaping life's ever increasing pace, rambling through open spaces and woodlands with friends and family, or just finding a quiet spot to unwind in.

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Tŷ Mawr Country Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Tŷ Mawr Country Park lies on the banks of the River Dee in the beautiful Vale of Llangollen, part of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is located adjacent to Cefn Viaduct, built by Thomas Brassey in 1848 to carry the Shrewsbury and Chester Railway across the valley of the River Dee.

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Huathe - Bourne Wood

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

By offering a variety of experiences in the outdoors - from Family Forest Days to Forest School Leadership and from targeted Forest Schools to  courses and special events- we engage a wide variety of people, to re-connect them to nature, and infuse them with our passion for the world around us. 

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Knowle Hill

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Formerly unimproved grazed farmland, this reserve has survived whilst the surrounding area has been built on. With areas of planted woodland, hazel coppice and elm thickets, there is a variety of bird life.

A mosaic of meadows, acid grassland and scrub dominates the south side, a particularly important area for butterflies such as small and large skippers, small heath, speckled wood and orange tip.

Species and Habitats

Habitats

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Whitnash Brook

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Whitnash Brook forms the eastern limit of the built up area of Leamington and Sydenham. It contains a diverse mixture of habitats including the brook, marshy grassland and swamp, woodland, grassland, tall herb and scrub. The site attracts many birds both during the breeding season and at other times of the year and is attractive to many invertebrates.

This reserve is a 2km wildlife corridor with pond, marshy grassland and woodland. The reserve is noted for its invertebrates found in decaying wood within the brook. There is a footpath through the whole length of the site.

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Daffern's Wood

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Daffern's Wood was declared the first Local Nature Reserve in North Warwickshire on 29th April 2013.

Daffern's Wood is an Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland dating back to 1600 and is irreplaceable. Ancient woodlands are an important habitat for many rare and threatened species of animals and plants. We need to conserve what remains for future generations.

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Frensham Little Pond

Bishop's fish pond amidst stunning heathland and abundant wildlife
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Frensham Little Pond and Great Pond were originally created in the 13th century, to supply fish to the Bishop of Winchester and his court, whilst visiting Farnham Castle. Today the pond and surrounding area is a sanctuary for wildlife with always something new to see.

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