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:

Killiecrankie

Venue Type: 
Battlefield / Military
Overall Rating: 
0

The Pass of Killiecrankie is a magnificent wooded gorge with the River Garry flowing along its base.

The Battle of Killiecrankie, the major event in the first of the Jacobite uprisings, was fought nearby. The Visitor Centre, on the east side of the Pass, tells both the story of the rich natural history of the Pass and the story of the battle.

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Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Overall Rating: 
0

Over 260 animal species in over 160 acres of stunning gardens and parkland. Giraffe Walkway, Lemur Walk-through exhibit, Train, Adventure Playground, Picnic Areas, Children's Farmyard, Brass Rubbing, Tropical House, Reptile House, Bat House and Insect House.

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Limpsfield Common

Ancient common on the Greensand Ridge where time comes home to sleep
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Limpsfield Common was used by commoners for grazing their animals and collecting stone and firewood. Now, with its extensive network of footpaths and bridleways through patches of open heathland and large areas of woodland, the Common is a perfect place to enjoy the countryside, whether walking, cycling or horseriding. There’s an old Roman road to saunter along too.

Limpsfield Common is also a good spot for family outings and picnics, with open, mainly flat, spaces to run and explore.

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Twycross Zoo

World Primate Centre
Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Overall Rating: 
0

Twycross Zoo has been providing the exciting opportunity to get close to wildlife for over 50 years and has achieved well-respected status as one of Britain's major zoos, attracting half a million visitors each year.

Animals come in all shapes and sizes, from leopards to lemurs, parrots to prairie dogs and tortoises to tarantulas. Twycross Zoo cares for around 500 animals of almost 150 species of bigger animals, including many endangered species, plus hundreds of creepy crawlies too.

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Bradley

Delightful medieval manor house, set in woodland and meadows
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Unspoilt and fascinating medieval manor house, still a relaxed family home. Wander through rooms untouched by time, warm yourself by the open fire, and unwind in the tranquil garden.

Located in a green haven of riverside meadows and woodland hidden away in the heart of the town.

There are no toilets or refreshments at Bradley, but we are only five minutes from the centre of Newton Abbot.

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Becky Falls Woodland Park

The Famous Dartmoor Waterfall
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

No visit to Devon would be complete without a visit to Dartmoor's famous Becky Falls, where we've been welcoming visitors since 1903. The falls are an iconic Dartmoor landmark, and a day out here can be as gentle or as adventurous as you wish. All of our activities and shows are included in the entry price, so there are no extras to pay once you're inside. 

So come breathe some of the purest air in England, see the most beautiful place in Devon and enjoy a very, very warm welcome!

* All activities included in the price

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Dodman and Black Head

Towering above the sea, this historic headland offers dramatic, panoramic views
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The Dodman is the highest headland on the south Cornish coast. Offering spectacular views, this area is also of great archaeological interest.

A massive Iron Age earthwork, nearly 666m long and over 6m high, encloses the headland. Over 2,000 years ago, this earthwork could have housed a series of dwellings, known collectively as a promontory fort or cliff castle.

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Giant's Causeway

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

In the footsteps of giants...

Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant’s Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and captured the imagination of all who see it. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Chester Farm

Northamptonshire's heritage jewel
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Chester Farm is an archaeologically and historically important site covering 34 hectares, which includes a large area designated as a Scheduled Monument and a complex of Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings.

The site is not currently open to the public so please do not visit unless by appointment.

The site has evidence of human activity for 10,000 years and has been home to different communities spanning some 2,000 years. Evidence of occupation and activity on site include:

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International Centre for Birds of Prey

Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Overall Rating: 
0

For a great family day out in beautiful surroundings and the opportunity to see spectacular flying demonstrations, it’s a visit not to be missed. It’s also a great photography opportunity and courses with experts are also available. For a great present you can also book special experience days and get to handle the birds.

International Birds of Prey Centre highlights

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