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:

Boscastle

A sheltered natural inlet with an unspoilt harbour village
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

There's more to Boscastle than a picturesque natural harbour and village.

The Elizabethan quay sits in an impressive amphitheatre of steep cliffs and is home to quaint stone-built cottages, shops and tea-rooms.

Much of the land in and around Boscastle is owned by the Trust. Venture beyond the picture-postcard harbour and a cliff path takes you to the Willapark headland and an intriguing ex-folly, now used as a Coastwatch lookout.

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Ragley Hall

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Ragley Hall was first opened in 1958 and the State Rooms were gradually restored to their former glory. The 8th Marquess made his mark on Ragley by commissioning Graham Rust to create a modern mural, The Temptation, in the South Staircase Hall which took fourteen years to complete and features several family members and pets.

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Cley Hill

Distinctive landmark rich in wildlife and archaeology with a tremendous panorama
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Once part of the Longleat estate, the hill was entrusted to us by the 6th Marquess of Bath. Ascend the hill to enjoy extensive views of West Wiltshire and Somerset, or to experience uninterrupted views of the sky from this locally famous UFO hotspot.

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Embleton and Newton Links

Breathtaking stretch of silver sands surrounded by wildlife-rich dunes
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The sandy beach is backed by dunes where a variety of flowers bloom: bluebells, cowslips, burnet roses and, to give it its common name, bloody cranesbill, amongst others.

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Bookham Common

Ancient commons, mentioned in the Domesday Book, with grassland plains, mighty oak woods and serene ponds
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Bookham Commons' varied landscapes, from ancient oak woods to grassland plains and tranquil ponds, support an abundance of wildlife, which can be heard and seen throughout the seasons.

Listen out for tuneful nightingales and warblers in the spring, and in summer look for insects hovering over the ponds. If you're lucky, you may also spot the beautiful, but elusive, purple emperor butterfly.

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Dean Forest Railway

Venue Type: 
Transport
Overall Rating: 
0

In a narrow tree-lined valley just north of Lydney in Gloucestershire lies the Dean Forest Railway. Run almost entirely by volunteers it offers visitors the chance to soak up the sight, sounds and smells of travel on a rural branch railway operated by steam trains – and the occasional heritage diesel.

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Mariners Hill

Far from the sea, but still a great view
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Mariners Hill is much enjoyed by local people and dog walkers, who value its tranquil walks and excellent panoramic views of the Weald.

The wildlife in the area includes many native birds and an array of dead-wood invertebrates. The hill has several paths which form small circular walks or, for those with more time, there is the long-distance Greensand Way, which runs along the northern boundary.

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Glendurgan Gardens

Superb subtropical garden, with special interest for families
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Lose yourself in the three valleys of Glendurgan Garden - full of fun, natural beauty and amazing plants.

Discover giant rhubarb plants in the jungle-like lower valley and spiky arid plants basking in the sunny upper slopes.

Wander through the garden down to the beautiful hamlet of Durgan on the Helford River: a place to watch birds and boats, skim stones and build sand-castles.

Find a boat-seat, gigantic tulip-trees and ponds teeming with wildlife. Learn about the Fox family who created this 'small peace [sic] of heaven on earth.'

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Colby Woodland Garden

A beautiful woodland garden and a fun place to be
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Set in a tranquil secret valley this hidden woodland garden with a rich industrial past is full of surprises.

Spring brings carpets of bluebells, crocuses, and daffodils, then swathes of camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas, followed by hydrangeas and the summer wildflowers.

Enjoy shady woodland walks, the wildflower meadow and colourful walled garden in summer, and the marvellous colours of acers, dogwoods and Sweet-gum in autumn.

Explore the meadow with its lovely stream, stepping stones, log bridge and abundant dragonflies and butterflies.

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Crownley Woods

Discover secluded creeks on this walk following the River Dart
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Crownley Wood is a small area of delightful woodland that has been left to develop and flourish naturally with little management.

Sessil oak, Ash, Beech, Sweet and Horse Chestnut and Sycamore are all to be found here.There's a circular walk through the woodland, taking in views across to Tuckenhay and Bow Creek a tributary of the River Dart.

This woodland can only be accessed through the field at the top of the hill, on a path past the water treatment plant. Please note there is no public access through the houses on the creek edge.

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