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:

Killerton House

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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Fine 18th-century house with costume collection, hillside garden and estate. Home to the 'Paulise de Bush' costume collection, with over 9,000 outfits. Delightful hillside garden featuring rhododendrons, magnolias, and rare trees. Stunning parkland walks all year round.

Discovery centre brings history and the environment to life.

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Stanton Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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A local nature reserve and country park with a large lake and extensive woodland. A fairly wild sort place with natural features only, but a wonderful environment to explore, and free!

It is also the site of a Roman villa (although unfortunately there are no visible remains).

There is still a lot for the kids to see as the park provides an exceptionally wide range of habitats, such as:

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Hermitage

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Once part of one of the most important 18th century picturesque landscapes in Scotland, an attractive woodland walk leads though spectacularly large Douglas firs (including one of the tallest trees in the country) to the amazing folly, Ossian's Hall overlooking the Black Linn waterfall.

Please contact the ranger service if you would like more information about the Hermitage or would look to book a guided visit for your group.

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Ickworth House

A Georgian Italianate palace in an idyllic English landscape
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

A grand place for a truly entertaining day out.

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Hatchlands Park

Georgian mansion filled with historic keyboard instruments set in rolling Repton parkland
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Hatchlands Park was built in the 1750s for naval hero Admiral Edward Boscawen and his wife Fanny. They gave architect, Robert Adam, one of his first interior design commissions. His work can be seen throughout the house, particularly in ceilings and fireplaces.

Today the mansion is a family home, containing tenant Alec Cobbe’s collection of paintings and fine furniture. Also on display is the Cobbe Collection, Europe’s largest collection of keyboard instruments associated with famous composers including JC Bach, Chopin, Elgar and Bizet.

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Brandon Marsh Nature Centre

Venue Type: 
Environment Centres
Overall Rating: 
0

Brandon Marsh is the ideal place for your school visit due to its excellent opportunities for learning about nature, wildlife and the environment. We have ponds, bird hides, meadows and woodlands all set within our 200 acre nature reserve. The Education Team can provide your school with a tailor made package for your day where you can cover up to four topics. We have excellent facilities for children of all ages as well as those with special educational needs. We also run holiday workshops, Nature Tots and Birthday parties.

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Herschel Park

A hidden gem which is well worth a visit
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Herschel Park is a unique Grade II listed park, easily accessible in the centre of Slough. Consisting of the recently restored Victorian Pleasure Gardens and a newly created Nature Reserve, it has a rich history and amazing wildlife and plants to explore.

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Far Peak Climbing and Outdoor Centre

Venue Type: 
Outdoor Activity
Overall Rating: 
0

An outdoor activity centre and campsite, with a dedicated Indoor Climbing Centre. We have climbing facilities for ages 3 year and upwards, dedicated kids’ clubs and sessions and run regular Bushcraft and adventure activities using our low ropes course and trails.

Our huge site has plenty of woodland and parkland for you to explore and play in.

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Cissbury Ring

The most historic hill on the South Downs
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Cissbury Ring, just north of the coastal town of Worthing, is one of the jewels in the crown of the new South Downs National Park. It's the largest hill fort in Sussex and has a history dating back over 5,000 years.

Set high up on a chalk promontory, its ditch and ramparts enclose about sixty-five acres. From the top on a clear day you can see forever, with views across to the chalk cliffs beyond Brighton and as far as the Isle of Wight.

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Mount's Bay

A delightful pick and mix selection of places along the coast
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

From Trewavas in the east to Trenow in the west the characters of each area are as different as their histories; industrial heritage sites, wild and rocky cliffs, archaeological treats, and tiny wind-harassed agricultural coastal fields.

Look through the opaque cloak of today’s apparent wilderness, to see the marks left by the farmers, miners, worshippers and fishermen who worked and walked this coast.

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