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:

Bodnant Garden

World-famous garden noted for its botanical collections
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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Marvel at plants from all over the world grown from seed and cuttings collected over a century ago on plant-hunting expeditions. Created by five generations of one family, this 32-hectare (80-acre) garden is superbly located, with spectacular views across Snowdonia.

With expansive lawns and intimate corners, grand ponds and impressive terraces, a steep wooded valley and stream, as well as awe-inspiring plant collections, there are continually changing glorious displays of colour.

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Crarae Garden

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Near the banks of Loch Fyne, on the west coast, immerse yourself in Britain's finest example of an exotic Himalayan-style woodland garden.

Crarae Garden is a tranquil site, with its dramatic gorge, rippling burn, waterfalls and cliffs. The informal hillside layout of mature woody plants radiating out from the burn creates a wonderful natural effect.

It is a magical spot at any time of year, with the earlier flowers of countless rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias being replaced later in the season by the rich tints of foliage and fruit.

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Harmony Garden

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Nestling in the pretty Borders town of Melrose, with enviable views of majestic Melrose Abbey, is Harmony House and Garden.

The handsome Georgian villa looks out onto a beautifully tended garden of smart croquet lawns, colourful, scented flowerbeds, fruits and vegetables.

The house, part of the Trust’s Connoisseurs’ Collection of self-catering rental properties, is considered by many to be the finest example of a Georgian townhouse in Scotland. The walled gardens are lush and secluded, giving visitors the sense of entering a private space.

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Studley Grange - Butterfly World & Animal Paddock

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Studley Grange is a great place for your students to learn about insects, animals and arts and crafts!

Butterfly World

Visit our Butterfly House in Wiltshire rain or shine.

You can walk among some of the most beautiful butterflies in the World, flying freely against a backdrop of tropical plants and skimming over fish filled ponds.

Animal Paddock

Meet the Meerkats and all their friends! 

Craft Village

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Beale Park

The place to be with fun, adventure, animals, gardens, play and activities on the banks of the picturesque River Thames
Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Overall Rating: 
0

Space, fresh air, tranquility, fun, adventure, enchanting animals, exotic beauty and all this on the banks of the magical Thames. New Bertie's Bugs and Beasts exhibit!

Popular favourites include: Ring-tailed lemurs, wallabies, meerkats, raccoons, prairie dogs, yellow mongoose, river hogs, monkeys, goats and numerous small mammals in their Pet's Corner. Plus the new Bertie's Bugs and Beasts exhibit, with all things creepy and crawley!

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Abbey Park Leicester

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Abbey Park lies approximately one mile north of the City centre. The River Soar divides this beautiful park into two distinct areas: to the east of the river lies the highly decorative Victorian part of the park with its evergreen shrubberies, trees, lakes and formally planted flower displays.

Enjoy exploring a Chinese garden, historical ruins, canals and boating lakes. Abbey Park is also home to fun fairs and festivals. A tearoom is also open for refreshments.

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Staffa National Nature Reserve

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Staffa is the stuff of legend - an unspoilt and uninhabited island best known for its magnificent basalt columns and spectacular sea caves. The most famous of these is Fingal's Cave, also known as An Uamh Binn (Cave of Melody). It has a unique, cathedral-like structure and its hexagonal columns are similar to those of the Giant's Causeway in Ireland.

Ranger-led activities to meet curriculum requirements can be organised by arrangement.

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Inverewe Garden & Estate

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

A lush, sub-tropical-style, oasis perched on a peninsula at the edge of Loch Ewe amid the rugged landscape of Wester Ross, this world-famous historic garden is one of Scotland's most popular botanical attractions.

School visits are welcome by prior arrangement.

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Holywell and Crantock

Unspoilt golden, sandy beaches, estuary and sandy grassland surprisingly close to Newquay
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

For its sheer diversity of landscape, this relatively small stretch of Cornwall's north coast is hard to beat. Only a stone's throw from the popular seaside resort of Newquay, Holywell to Crantock offers you a haven of beaches, common land and coastline to explore.

Exposed rocky headlands sit alongside spectacular sandy beaches, perfect for surfing or making sandcastles.

Discover the hidden gem that is Porth Joke, a small cove that remains untouched by commercialism.

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Lavington Common

A rare pocket of openness amongst plantation woodland
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Lavington Common is a rare survivor of an open landscape that once stretched across the Weald. Its sandy soil leads up to the chalk escarpment on the South Downs, creating this renowned lowland heath, rich in lichens and bryophytes (mosses and liverworts).

Heathers flourish here providing shelter and breeding grounds for reptiles and heathland insects such as the Green Tiger Beetle.

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