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:

Compton Bay and Downs

One of the Isle of Wight's favourite beaches and biggest expanses of open downland
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Compton Bay and Downs are at the the heart of the much loved open landscape of the south west of the Isle of Wight. It has all the elements of a great day out in the countryside. There is plenty of space for families, surfing and other non-motorised water sports and a part of the beach open to dog walkers all year round. The many coloured cliffs behind the beach and the coastal views provide a wonderful backdrop as well as a fascinating geological history going back to the time of the dinosaurs.

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Emmetts Garden

Interesting hillside garden with year-round features
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Charming Emmetts Garden is an Edwardian estate that was owned by Frederic Lubbock, becoming both a plantsman's passion and a much-loved family home.

The garden was laid out in the late 19th century,  and was influenced by William Robinson. It contains many exotic and rare trees and shrubs from across the world.

Standing on one of the highest spots in Kent, Emmetts Garden offers panormaic views over the unspoilt Weald as well as some great walking opportunities.

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Borthwood Copse

Paths wind through ancient oak woodland with sunny glades
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Borthwood Copse is a delightful spot to wander amongst ancient oak and beech trees, sunny glades and chestnut and hazel coppice. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a red squirrel as it scurries through the upper branches in search of food.

Borthwood Copse used to be part of a much larger Medieval hunting forest in which the landscape would have been more open like parts of the New Forest. The landscape is more densely wooded now.

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Cobham Wood and Mausoleum

Restored 18th-century mausoleum, set in peaceful woodland
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Follow in the footsteps of the Darnley family, original owners of Cobham Wood & Mausoleum, and walk through the peaceful ancient cattle grazed woodland, once part of their extensive Cobham Hall estate, and view the beautifully restored mausoleum designed by James Wyatt.

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Blenheim Palace

Britain's Greatest Palace
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Blenheim Palace is a monumental country house situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, residence of the dukes of Marlborough - the Churchill family. It is the only non-royal non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace and is a World Heritage Site.

The Palace

A true masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Blenheim Palace delivers an awe-inspiring experience for visitors.

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York Environment Centre

Venue Type: 
Environment Centres
Overall Rating: 
0

The York Environment Centre is managed by the Friends of St Nicholas Fields. We exist to promote sustainable living to people in York and the surrounding area. In 1994 we began work to transform this former landfill site into a Local Nature Reserve and the Environment Centre, which was completed in 2000.

From this base, we provide inspiration, advice, practical examples and services to enable people in York and beyond to move towards a sustainable future. Our three core activities are:

1. Continuing to improve St Nicholas Fields as a Local

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Birmingham EcoPark

Venue Type: 
Environment Centres
Overall Rating: 
0

Situated on a large inner city allotment site the Birmingham EcoPark is an environmental education centre which is owned and managed by the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country. 

Serving local schools, we provide a stimulating learning environment which includes woodland, flowering meadow, a pond and heathland. We also have a demonstration wind turbine, solar panels and a reed-bed system to recycle our grey water.

In addition to work with local schools we are also open to visitors by appointment. The EcoPark is a great place to relax as well as to learn!

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Lings Wood Environmental Centre

Venue Type: 
Environment Centres
Overall Rating: 
0

Lings Wood Environmental Centre is situated in Lings Local Nature Reserve, a magnificent, urban woodland covering over 22 hectares in the Eastern District of Northampton. 

Working with people of all ages we provide a variety of educational and community-based services to help people enjoy the outdoors and learn about wildlife. Many local people regularly use the area for informal recreation and general enjoyment. 

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Islandmagee

A haven on the east coast of County Antrim
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

A visit to Islandmagee is a trip back to less rushed and stressful times. A peninsula on the East Antrim coast steeped in history with cottages, rolling fields, quiet villages and spectacular coastline, it is a microcosm of the Northern Ireland countryside.

The name 'Islandmagee' hails from the Gaelic 'Oileán MhicAodha' meaning 'MacAodha's island', the clan whose home was once at Portmuck, one of three stretches of coastline and countryside on the peninsula owned and managed by the National Trust.

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Hockerton Housing Project

Venue Type: 
Environment Centres
Overall Rating: 
0

The Hockerton Housing Project is the UK's first earth sheltered, self-sufficient ecological housing development. Since the completion of the houses in 1998 Hockerton Housing Project has established itself as an exemplar of sustainable development locally and nationally.

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