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:

Haresfield Beacon and Standish Wood

A superb Cotswold landscape of mixed woodland and open grassland with extensive views
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Occupying a prominent position on three spurs on the Cotswold escarpment, there are views across the Severn estuary towards the Forest of Dean and Brecon Beacons. With its dramatic topography, intimate woodlands, extensive grasslands and exposed and wild promontory hill fort the estate offers a variety of contrasting experiences.

The Cotswold Way National Trail runs through the entire estate and there are miles of tracks, so whether you enjoy walking, horse riding or mountain biking, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

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Cole End Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Cole End Park is one of four of North Warwickshire's green spaces dedicated as Local Nature Reserves.

Cole End Park LNR is situated within the larger Cole End Park, to the south of the River which runs through the park.

In the 1800s there was a mill and a ford on the River Cole. The mill was demolished in 1940/50's and the mill pond was filled in later. The River Cole originally ran at the side of Lichfield Road but was diverted when the A446 was made into a dual carriageway before the war forming a triangular piece of land which has become the park.

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Kenilworth Common

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

A registered common, the last fragment of a much larger area of open land that existed some hundreds of years ago.

Once an area of heathland, the Common has developed into an area of oak and birch woodland. However, remnants of the old heathland character remain, particularly on and close to the railway embankments. These areas provide a valuable habitat for plants like ling heather, gorse and heath bedstraw as well as refuge for reptiles such as the common lizard and adder.

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The Greenway

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

The Greenway is a high quality surfaced path suitable for cyclists, walkers and wheelchair users which runs from Stratford-upon-Avon to Long Marston. It is part of the National Cycle Network, forming a five mile section of the West Midlands Cycle Route, which links Oxford to Derby via Birmingham. It follows the course of the old Honeybourne railway line.

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The Living Rainforest

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Discover the rainforest's wonders as you stroll between tropical trees and plants, among free roaming butterflies and birds. An outdoor play area allows kids to let off steam, while adults can relax on the sun terrace with a cappuccino. All weather attraction with on site parking, cafe and shop.

On your visit, look out for free roaming lizards, birds and butterflies, you never know where they will appear next! See some of the world's most popular foods, from bananas to coffee, cocoa and ginger as well as plants that have changed the way we live today.

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Hall Farm Meadow - Hunningham

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Situated in the village of Hunningham, about three miles east of Leamington Spa, this site is agriculturally improved grassland with small areas of relatively species poor semi-improved grassland. It has been used in recent years for year-round horse grazing.

 

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Hall Farm Meadow - Lobbington

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Lobbington Meadow is an unimproved species-rich hay meadow which faces north east on the banks of the River Dene and exhibits ridge and furrow topography. The meadow overlies Lias clays and shales which have given rise to a calcareous soil.

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The Knapp and Papermill Nature Reserve

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

One of 13 flagship nature reserves in the area with a beautiful trail that starts in an apple orchard, and passes a brook and a meadow. Lots of wildlife to enjoy, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, and otters.

It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, plus it is open and all year and free to visit!

There is a great trail to follow, and if you would like some help navigating, a trail leaflet and a Family trail guide book are available to buy online or from the Information Centre near the entrance.

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Newbold Comyn Country Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

This extensive park, over 120 hectares (300 acres), was laid out in the 1970’s. Formerly Newbold Comyn Farm, it was acquired by Leamington Corporation in 1943. The northern half is an 18-hole pay-and-play golf course; the southern half provides for recreation, sport and wildlife. The old farmhouse is now a pub, the Newbold Comyn Arms. Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre has a 25 metre swimming pool, children’s fun pool, Pyramids fitness suite and other facilities.

Welches Meadow and the Leam Valley Local Nature Reserves are situated in Newbold Comyn Country Park.

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Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Corrieshalloch may mean ‘Ugly Hollow’ in Gaelic, but there is nothing ugly about Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, a deep tree-shrouded chasm and beauty spot that cuts through a Highland wilderness rich in flora and fauna. Corrieshalloch is a slot gorge, or box-canyon, that was cut as far back as 2.6million years ago by Ice Age glacial meltwater.

The River Droma forges through the gorge, dramatically dropping 100 metres in just 1.25km through a series of waterfalls, including the thunderous 45m high Falls of Measach.

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