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:

May Hill

Wild and open landmark crowned with a distinctive row of pine trees
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The summit and surrounding area of May Hill consists of a wide expanse of open grassland, bracken and gorse with boggy areas and pools. The hill is capped by a clump of pine trees (not NT), planted in 1887 to commemorate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria. It is now the location of annual May Day celebrations.

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One Tree Hill

A beautiful slice of Kent countryside
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Discover why the locals love this place so much by exploring this tranquil site along its network of paths, which wind their way up through the woodland. Once at the top, relax and take in the wonderful view to the south over the Weald of Kent.

Set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, One Tree Hill is also recognised nationally as a Site of Special Scientific Interest as a home to rare species of plants, insects and molluscs.

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Dinton Pastures Country Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Huge park offering lakes, meadows and rivers for exploration, plus a multi activity centre and adventure playground. Incorporates a proper 9 hole golf course please note not crazy or mini golf though beginners welcome.

It offers a variety of habitats including 7 lakes, 2 rivers, and meadows. 3 public bird hides provide secret viewing of the waterfowl, with 1 specially adapted for wheelchair users.

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Morden Hall Park

A park at the heart of the community
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Morden Hall Park is green oasis in the city, giving you a taste of a country estate with a glimpse of its agricultural and industrial history.

This tranquil former deer park is one of the few remaining estates that used to line the River Wandle during its industrial heyday.

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Ditchling Beacon

Panoramic views from the top of world
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Ditchling Beacon is located 7 miles to the north of Brighton and just south of the village of Ditchling. At 248 metres above sea-level, Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex and offers commanding 360 degree views from its summit. Look south out to sea, north across the Weald or east-west across the Downs.

As the name suggests, Ditchling Beacon was once the site for a warning beacon. Visible for miles around, the Beacon would be maintained ready to light in times of imminent invasion.

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Raleigh Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Raleigh Park is 27 sloping acres, outside the city boundaries between Botley and North Hinksey. It has recently been accredited with Local Wildlife Site.

The land was formerly part of the estates of the Harcourt family. The land was sold in 1924 to Raymond Ffennell, then owner of Wytham Abbey, who gave it to the City of Oxford for use as a park. It was named in honour of Professor Sir Walter Raleigh, who lived nearby on Harcourt Hill and died in 1922.

Park features

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Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak

White Peak Estate, including Ilam Park, Dovedale and Hamps and Manifold Valleys
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Situated in the spectacular setting of the Staffordshire and Derbyshire Peak District, Ilam Park makes an ideal base to explore the other parts of the White Peak area.

White Peak incorporates several key areas that are well worth a visit. These include: Dovedale; the Manifold Valley; Ilam Park; Ecton Mine, Stanton Moor Edge; Miller's Dale and Ravenstor; and High Wheeldon.

Places to visit

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Headley Heath

A wonderful mix of open heathland, woodland and chalk downland
Venue Type: 
Outdoor Activity
Overall Rating: 
0

Headley Heath has a wide network of tracks to explore, and stunning views to rival any of its neighbours - the perfect place to enjoy the countryside, whether walking, cycling or horseriding.

The Heath is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its rich, varied, and sometimes rare, wildlife, made up of a wonderful mosaic of open heath, chalk downland slopes and mixed woodland.

There's always something new to see, from fragrant, bright yellow gorse and breathtaking purple heathers, to deer, badgers and dragonflies.

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Coombe Country Park

500 acres of beautiful woodlands, grasslands, gardens and lake.
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

We have a children's play area, climbing forest, picnic benches and barbecue areas, a bird hide, woodlands, open space for the children to play and of course plenty of ducks and swans to feed!

It is the perfect location for a fun filled family day out or a relaxing picnic out in the fresh air.

We have a childrens play area designed for children under 12 and a climbing forest out in the woods especially made for children over 8.

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Heigham Holmes

A remote island in the Norfolk Broads
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

You may not have heard of Heigham Holmes, but this 500 acre nature reserve is an oasis of calm and a haven for wildlife – and heaven for wildlife lovers.

It’s a unique and internationally important site, with reed-fringed flood banks, open water, grazing marsh, scrub and wet woodland. They're linked by a maze of dykes and pools characteristic of the Norfolk broadland landscape.

Look out for marsh harriers, barn owls, bittern and crane, which all call the reserve home, along with wading birds such as lapwing and redshank.

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