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:

Cleddau Woodlands

Take a break from the coast in these quiet, wooded backwaters
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The sheltered waterway of the Cleddau runs from the county town of Haverfordwest down to Milford Haven. Along the way it passes Little Milford Wood, the ancient oak woodland of Lawrenny and tidal mudflats at West Williamston.

Remains of limekilns and former coal mines can be found at Little Milford and the rough pasture at West Williamston leads to large expanse of salt marsh and estuary shore and tidal creeks once quarried for limestone.

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Divis and the Black Mountain

Divis and the Black Mountain offer spectacular views across Northern Ireland
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The mountains rest in the heart of the Belfast Hills, which provide the backdrop to the city's skyline. The rich, varied archaeological landscape is home to a host of wildlife. There are walking trails along a variety of terrain: through heath, on stone tracks, along boardwalks and road surface.

The property contains the peaks of Divis Mountain, Black Mountain, Mount Gilbert and Armstrongs Hill, and also the headwaters of the Clady Water, Forth River, Ballygomartin River, Collin River and the Crumlin River.

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Hembury and Holne Woods

Lichen-clad, ancient oak woodland valleys following the River Dart
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Hembury and Holne contain two discreet woods on the south-eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park.

Perched at the top of Hembury Woods with far reaching views over Dartmoor, the iron-age Hembury Hill Fort gives you a real sense of what it would have been like to live in a protected palisade.

Holne Woods, meanwhile, offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of every day living.

Deep in the heart of the woods, at the base of dramatic rock covered cliffs strewn with windblown mature trees, lies a derelict Victorian pond.

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Cuckmere Valley

Flower-rich chalk grassland with stunning views of the Cuckmere River
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

With fantastic views of the Seven Sisters, Cuckmere Valley is a haven for wildlife, from over-wintering wildfowl to colourful wild flowers.

Cradle Valley is a wonderful example of this species-rich chalk grassland, attracting rare and colourful butterflies and plants in summer.

High and Over's dramatic river cliff has been carved out of the soft chalk by the river below. In 1836 a white horse was cut into the chalk on the steep scarp and it remains a popular natural attraction.

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Exmouth

Discover the gateway to the famous Jurassic Coast
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Follow a clifftop walk with breathtaking views of the Jurassic coast with a night under the stars at Prattshayes caravan and campsite.

Exmouth countryside includes the impressive headland walk at Orcombe Point, the warm and friendly campsite and bunkhouse at Prattshayes and our tenanted farm at Lower Halsdon on the River Exe. An easy, level path above the beach at Exmouth is a peaceful haven from the holidaying crowds.

Look out for events happening at Lower Halsdon Farm, including hedge-laying, ranger walks and farm open days.

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Llyn Peninsula

A dazzling jewel of a place with sparkling seas, sandy beaches and vast skies
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

We proudly care for some of the Llŷn Peninsula's best beaches and most stunning headland - from the sweeping beach and colourful beach huts of Llanbedrog to the whistling sands at Porthor.

Our beaches and coastal properties offer an excellent base to investigate the coastal path. Why not visit the fishing village of Porthdinllaen huddled into the cliff in a sandy cove or stroll up to the coastguard hut at Mynydd Mawr?

Dewch i ddarganfod hanes, treftadaeth a natur arbennig Pen Llyn. Syniadau ar gyfer gweithgareddau, teithiau cerdded, atyniadau a phethau i'w gwneud...

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Bude to Morwenstow

This most eastern tip of the north Cornwall coast offers vast beaches and hidden delights
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

This stretch of coast between Bude and Morwenstow is one of Cornwall's wild and dramatic corners with a character all of its own. You'll find beaches such as Sandymouth, perfect for rockpooling or surfing, and backdrops of sheer cliffs made of stony clay rock.

Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a more challenging walk there are many exhilarating coastal walks to enjoy.

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Burton Bradstock

Spectacular coastline with cliffs and miles of unspoilt beaches
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Burton Bradstock is one of the main gateways to the Jurassic Coast and the South West Coast Path.

The estate is easy to access and offers spectacular cliff-top views along the many varied and picturesque coastal walks.

Hive Beach is a popular family destination, made up of shingle, surrounded by spectacular sandstone cliffs. It forms part of the larger Chesil Beach; a striking section of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the largest shingle ridge in the world.

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Mendip Hills

Dramatic gorges and ancient woodland rising above the Somerset Levels
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The Mendip Hills run east-west across Somerset from Frome to Brean Down. Inside they are hiding fascinating secrets such as underground caves and rivers, making the hills a popular centre for caving.

From the outside they reveal centuries of history from the pre-historic at Cheddar to the Iron-Age at Brent Knoll and a Victorian fort at Brean Down.

They are fantastic places for walking, cycling and horse riding and the views from the top of these hills are truly breathtaking.

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Bolberry Down

Dramatic clifftop with far-reaching views
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Bolberry Down has levelled circular trails through a breathtaking coastal landscape.

A circular walk around the flat plateau of Bolberry Down offers easy walking and far-reaching views of South Devon. Take your time and visit the viewpoints, take a seat and immerse yourself in this spectacular coastline.

We reckon that Bolberry is one of the best places to experience the joy of flying a kite. It can get very gusty on top of the cliffs - perfect for beginners and the more experienced. Bring your kite and give it a try.

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