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:

Downs Banks

A little wilderness of woodlands and heath in the heart of the Midlands
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Downs Banks Brook is a beautiful babbling stream that runs the length of Downs Banks. Keep your eyes open and you may see the fantastic blue flash of a kingfisher.

There are far-reaching views from the highest point on the Downs. A rock pillar stands here and shows you what landmarks can be seen in the distance on a clear day. The Long Mynd (National Trust), Mow Cop Castle (National Trust,) the Wrekin (a prominent hill formed from an extinct volcano) and the Clee Hills are just some of the landmarks to look out for.

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Holmwood Common

Ancient common once owned by King Harold and William the Conqueror
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Holmwood Common is at the heart of the local community and is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by all. It’s just off the A24 (south of Dorking), so why not break a car journey south to the coast with a stop? Stretch your legs and explore...

Dappled woodland and sunny clearings greet you – beautiful countryside for walking, horse riding and cycling. The common is fairly flat and ideal for families to explore, but it can be wet underfoot. Great fun though for kids who like squelching in mud with their brightly coloured wellies.

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Linn of Tummel

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

At the Linn of Tummel you can enjoy a beautiful circular woodland walk alongside the contrasting rivers of the slow flowing gentle Garry and the fast-flowing Tummel, rushing over rapids.

The property and its setting exemplifies the basic elements of the much-lauded Highland Perthshire scenery. There is a large area of mixed woodland and fields here, which are home to a rich variety of wildlife.

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Polkemmet Country Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Polkemmet Country Park is a beautiful 68-hectare park in the heart of Scotland's Lothian region. The Park offers beautiful woodland and riverside walks, play area and picnic areas with seating.

You can walk, cycle, play in our 'miner's play area', go horse riding or orienteering, play golf and end the day by hiring a BBQ to cook a tasty meal.

Kept by Rangers, there are a number of Ranger-led activities for you to enjoy.

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Isle of Wight Zoo

Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Overall Rating: 
0

Our zoo has a variety of animals, but we specialise in two particular areas - tigers and lemurs. Our keepers have their own specific sections, which allows them to get to know the personalities of the animals in their care very well. Why not explore this section and find out which our of animals are the headstrong type, which are the softies and which like to keep the keepers on their toes?

Or you can find out how the keeper keep the animals on their toes with Environmental Enrichment - activities designed to stimulate natural behaviour. 

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Godrevy

A vast sandy beach, high cliffs and dramatic coves
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Godrevy's awe-inspiring expanse of sandy beach leads on to wildlife rich headlands and the dramatic coves of the North Cliffs and Western Hill.

Set at the far end of St Ives Bay, Godrevy beach is popular for surfers, families, walkers, nature watchers and those who simply want to sit and admire the view.

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Marloes Sands

Pembrokeshire's very edge from here on it's sea and islands.
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The Marloes Peninsula combines dramatic coastal scenery and safe bathing on golden sands. You can look out for seabirds and seals and the remains of ancient peoples. There are walks for all abilities starting from the National Trust car parks at Marloes Sands and Martins Haven.

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Birdland Park and Gardens

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

For fantastic family fun and excitement, enjoy a day at one of the UK's biggest bird gardens, discover a beautiful natural setting of woodland, river and water gardens that are inhabited by over 500 birds, flamingos, pelicans, colourful parrots to laughing kookaburras and magical owls.

Birdland is home to the only group of King Penguins in the country, whose antics you can observe up-close-and-personal as they cohabit with the comical Humboldt penguins.

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Crickley Hill

Cotswold countryside within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

This beautiful Cotswold countryside, which we manage jointly with Gloucestershire County Council, boasts a wide variety of habitats and plants. The limestone grassland is extremely rich in plants, which in turn support a large variety of insects, especially butterflies.

Crickley Hill is a prominent spur of the Cotswold escarpment. It overlooks the Severn Vale, with magnificent views towards Robinswood Hill and May Hill, and the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountain beyond.

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Lisnabreeny

A picturesque walk from wooded glen to hilltop rath
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Lisnabreeny takes in wooded glen, estate and green field to the summit of the Castlereagh hills on the edge of east Belfast.

The path hugs the sides of Cregagh glen as it climbs through pools of sunlight cast by the trees. You’ll hear the waterfall, but also keep an eye out for the carpets of bluebell and wood anemone in spring.

Near the top of the glen, pause a moment at the memorial marking a temporary graveyard for American servicemen during the second world war.

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