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:

Lydford Gorge

The deepest gorge in the South West, with spectacular 30m waterfall
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The gorge is an amazing place to visit at any time of the year. The wildlife, river, plants and trees provide a stunning show each and every day.

Dippers and wagtails can be seen flying low over the river, while woodland birds can be spotted darting about in the trees.

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Dudmaston Estate

An old family home with a modern twist...
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Enchanted wooded parkland, sweeping gardens and a house with a surprise, Dudmaston is something unexpected in the Shropshire countryside. A much loved home for over 875 years you will find the family rooms scattered with photos and perhaps an odd pair of shoes or two peeping out from under a table. The unexpected galleries create a total contrast, with their formal, crisp lines. They were designed by the last owner, Rachel, Lady Labouchere, to house her and her husband’s differing modern and traditional collections of art for the visitor to peruse.

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Nostell Priory and Parkland

18th-century architectural masterpiece with landscape park and gardens
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Built on the site of a medieval priory, Nostell has been the home of the Winn family for 300 years. Commissioned by Sir Rowland Winn in 1733, James Paine built the house. Later additions by Robert Adam created exceptional interiors.

Visitors can explore 121 hectares (300 acres) of parkland with a range of walks and views. Gardens include lakeside walks, a newly planted orchard and an adventure playground.

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Fair Isle

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Located halfway between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle is one of Britain’s most remote inhabited islands.

It may be small – only three miles long and one-and-a-half miles wide – but there is plenty to see and do. Fair Isle is a crofting community with a thriving traditional crafts industry, where you can see the island’s craftspeople at work boat-building, spinning, weaving and, of course, knitting.

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Carnewas at Bedruthan

Dramatic coastline with views over huge rock stacks
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Carnewas has become one of the most popular destinations on the north Cornish coast because of the spectacular cliff-top view of sea stacks stretching across Bedruthan beach (not Trust-owned).

This piece of coastline, just a few miles along the coast from Padstow, keeps itself hidden as you first enter the car park. However, take a short walk along the well established paths and you will be rewarded with views that are arguably some of the most impressive in Cornwall.

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Harting Down

Dramatic hill-top views and secluded valleys, with abundant wild flowers
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Harting Down nature reserve in West Sussex is one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland cared for by us. A tapestry of pristine downland blends beautifully with scattered scrub and woodland.

Experience a sense of timelessness where sheep have grazed for thousands of years. When you reach the brow of the hilltops you are greeted by views across the Weald and to the Isle of Wight.

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Hawksmoor

Discover Staffordshire's secret woodlands
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

In the beautiful Churnet valley sits Hawksmoor. The ancient woodland is an excellent place to spot green woodpeckers, spotted flycatchers and ravens. The wild flowers and archaeology of Gibriddingt Wood are so special that they have attracted artists and photographers for many years.

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Hydon's Ball and Heath

Memorial to Octavia Hill overlooking the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Hydon's Ball is one of our earliest acquisitions and is a memorial to one of our co-founders, Octavia Hill, who died in 1912. It’s one of the highest points in Surrey and the steep, wooded, south-facing slope commands magnificent views across the surrounding countryside towards the Sussex border.

Enjoy lovely walks across the peaceful heath and woodland, which is a wonderful mix of many trees including oaks and chestnuts, with a surprise of non-native shrubs planted by the British garden designer, writer, and artist, Gertrude Jekyll.

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Almondell & Calderwood Country Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park is tucked out of sight in the valley of the River Almond and stretching for 1.5 miles between Broxburn and East Calder, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park is probably the best kept secret in West Lothian!

Based around two adjoining estates (Almondell at 97 acres and Calderwood at 130 acres) and with a history going back 340 million years to the time of the Carboniferous swamps, this area has much to offer its visitors.

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Ide Hill

A great place for a picnic. Enjoy impressive views of The Weald
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Ide Hill is 33.5 acres of semi-natural woodland that lies on the side of the Greensand Ridge. The area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its abundant wildlife.

The area suffered very badly in the 1987 storm, losing over 70 percent of its tree cover, but has regenerated well, and has abundant wildlife and a number of small circular walks, which allow you to see the wildlife and amazing views.

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