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:

Leigh Woods

A wilderness of tranquility set against Brunel's famous suspension bridge
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Explore the beautiful and diverse broadleaf woodland on the plateau above the famous Avon Gorge, boasting superb views across the city to downland beyond. Leigh Woods has been an intrinsic part of Bristolian life for centuries.

Designated pathways will lead you through oak, small leaf lime and ash forest. Springtime brings an abundance of bluebells and wood anemones, whilst the summer months offer relaxing, shady walks. The red and golden hues of autumn, combined with an interesting array of fungi, are particularly beautiful.

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Leith Hill Place

Beauty and genius in the Surrey Hills
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

An atmospheric house set within Leith Hill with panoramic views across the Surrey countryside, Leith Hill Place was the childhood home of one of England's greatest composers, Ralph Vaughan Williams, who gave it to the National Trust in 1944. 

His grandparents, Josiah Wedgwood III and Caroline (née Darwin) moved there in 1847 and his great uncle, the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, conducted experiments in the grounds.

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Coldrum Long Barrow

Stunning views from the top of the barrow
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Coldrum Longbarrow is the least-damaged megalithic longbarrow in Kent and takes its name from the now demolished Coldrum Lodge Farm.

It is possible the name 'Coldrum' derived from the old Cornish word 'Galdrum' which means 'place of enchantments'. Owned in perpetuity by us since 1926 in memorial of Benjamin Harrison, an Ightham historian, this 3,000 year-old burial chamber is the only one of those originally present in the Medway Valley to remain virtually intact.

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Walsingham Abbey Grounds & Shirehall Museum

Venue Type: 
Religious Buildings
Overall Rating: 
0

Shirehall Museum is in a 16th century building that was built as a hostel for important visitors to the Augustinian priory next door. In the 1770s it became Walsingham’s court house and the court room, which was in use until 1971, is still intact. 

The museum tells the stories of Walsingham as a place of pilgrimage from 1061, and of life in the two Norfolk villages of Little and Great Walsingham. In addition to housing the Tourist Information Centre the museum is the start point for guided of walks of Walsingham. 

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Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses

High sandstone ridge and hill fort overlooking dramatic red sandstone rock houses
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Kinver's woodland sandstone ridge offers dramatic views across surrounding counties and miles of heathland walking country. The famous Holy Austin Rock Houses, which were inhabited until the 1950s, are open to visitors at selected times.

Learning

Join us at the Rock Houses for a school visit with a difference. Explore these unique cave dwellings, trying on Victorian costumes, handling real objects and having a go at some of the daily chores such as the laundry and making rag rugs. 

A range of tours and workshop sessions are available to book.

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Rainton Meadows and Joe's Pond

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Rainton Meadows is a nature reserve just to the east of East Rainton, Sunderland.

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Chartwell

Family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Chartwell was the much-loved Churchill family home and the place from which Sir Winston drew inspiration from 1924 until the end of his life.

The rooms remain much as they were when he lived here, with pictures, books and personal mementoes evoking the career and wide-ranging interests of a great statesman, writer, painter and family man. In particular the room in which he painted hundreds of pictures is a fascinating place to visit, bringing a new perspective to the great statesman.

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Bowes Museum

Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
0

The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure, a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. The magnificent building stands proud in the historic market town of Barnard Castle housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts. Purpose built in the 19th century by John and Joséphine Bowes, the Museum has a wonderful story to tell.

It holds nationally and internationally important collections including paintings, prints, sculptures, ceramics, and silver objets d'art.

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Kingston Lacy

Elegant country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Explore Kingston Lacy, a lavish family home built to resemble an Italian Palace.

There’s plenty to see, from grand, beautifully detailed carvings, to intimate family souvenirs and even strange curiosities such as an ‘I owe you’ note from a king.

An art lover’s dream, take a look at rooms teeming with paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel. In the Egyptian Room you can discover the largest private collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the UK.

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Lanhydrock

Magnificent late Victorian country house with gardens and wooded estate
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Lanhydrock is the perfect country house and estate, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home.

This winter take a stroll around the extensive gardens and enjoy the year-round colour. There are beautiful herbaceous borders, a fabulous formal parterre and colourful higher gardens. 

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