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:

Lundy

Unspoilt island, home to a fascinating array of wildlife amidst dramatic scenery
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Undisturbed by cars, the island encompasses a small village with an inn and Victorian church, and the 13th-century Marisco Castle.

There's also a disused lighthouse to discover. Called the Old Light, it offers superb views over the north part of the island.

For nature-lovers there are the variety of seabirds, wildlife, flora and fauna. Designated the first Marine Conservation Area, Lundy offers opportunities for diving and seal watching.

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Kinder, Edale and the Dark Peak

Heather-clad moors of Kinder to the gritstone tors of Derwent Edge
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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The wild Pennine moorlands are of international importance for their populations of breeding birds and mosaic of habitats.

Sites of particular interest include Mam Tor, with spectacular views, landslip and prehistoric settlement, the famous Snake Pass and Alport Castles in Alport Valley. Kinder Scout, where the Mass Trespass of 1932 took place, is the highest point in the Peak District and is the location for a lot of our current conservation work in the Dark Peak.

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Lockeridge Dene and Piggledene

Streams of lichen-rich sarsen stones
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Sheltered valleys containing well developed 'boulder streams' of sarsen stones. Sarsen stones are of ecological interest for the lichens and mosses they support as well as geological importance.

The sites were purchased in 1908 following a public appeal and were our first countryside properties in Wiltshire. Prior to this, sarsen stones were removed to provide building materials.

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Ludshott Commons

One of the largest remaining areas of heathland in East Hampshire
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Ludshott Common covers 285 ha (705 acres) and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protection Area (SPA) because of its wildlife.

For centuries, it was used by local commoners whose ancient rights allowed them to graze their cattle, sheep, ponies and pigs. Some commoners collected heather, gorse, wood and bracken for fuel, winter fodder and animal bedding. These activities led to the open heathland you can see here today.

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Northey Island

The closest you'll get to true wilderness in Essex
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

A remote island in the Blackwater Estuary and cut off at high tide, visiting Northey's a unique pleasure.

Northey was to become the oldest recorded battlefield in Britain when Viking raiders used the island as a base during the Battle of Maldon in AD991, an encounter also mentioned in England's earliest known poem.

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Osterley Park and House

A Georgian country estate in west London
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

A short hop from central London by tube but a world apart. Stroll up the tree-lined drive, past the grazing Charolais cattle and you'd think you're in the country, not urban Hounslow.

Surrounded by gardens, park and farmland, Osterley is one of the last surviving country estates in London.

Once described by Horace Walpole as 'the palace of palaces', Osterley was created in the late 18th century by architect and designer Robert Adam for the Child family to entertain and impress their friends and clients.

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St Kilda World Heritage Site

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Sometimes described as ‘the islands at the edge of the world’, the archipelago of St Kilda is located 41 miles west of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. Formed from the rim of an ancient volcano, it is the remotest part of the British Isles.

Comprising four islands – Hirta, Soay, Boreray and Dun – as well as several sea stacks, St Kilda is truly spectacular. It is one of only 29 global locations to be awarded ‘mixed’ World Heritage Status in recognition of both its natural and cultural significance.

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Thomas Hardy's Birthplace

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Explore the landscape and childhood home of famed local author Thomas Hardy.

Set in the heart of Hardy Country, the new visitor centre was opened in September 2014 as a gateway for local people and visitors alike to discover more about the life and works of Thomas Hardy and the local landscape. It is located on the edge of Thorncombe Wood and is a short walk from Hardy's Cottage, where he was born and lived until he was 34 years old.

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Osborne House

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

"It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot" - such were the words of Queen Victoria after her first visit to Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

No trip to the island would be complete without a visit to this royal seaside palace where Queen Victoria lived with her beloved Prince Albert and their nine children.

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Kedleston Hall

Spectacular 18th-century mansion with Adam interiors and parkland
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Take a trip back in time to the 1760s at this spectacular Neo-classical mansion framed by historic parkland.

Designed for lavish entertaining and displaying an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture and original furnishings, Kedleston is a stunning example of the work of architect Robert Adam.

The Curzon family have lived here since the 12th-century and continue to live at the Hall. Lord Curzon's Eastern Museum is a treasure trove of fascinating objects acquired on his travels in Asia and while Viceroy of India (1899 to 1905).

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