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:

Venue Type: 
Environment Centres
Overall Rating: 
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Wyre Forest Discovery Centre hosts the "education centre of excellence". Curriculum linked activities and a variety of adult craft and wildlife focus days are available including high wires and muddy games!

Fantastic Go Ape course for the over 10s: think you, your friends and family can handle 3 hours of tree top adventure? Can you climb 30ft up a rope ladder, Tarzan Swing into a giant rope net then zip wire through trees, crawl through tunnels and tackle high wire rope bridges? If the answer' yes, you're ready to Go Ape!

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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Have a rainforest experience in the Victorian glasshouses, get lost in the maze, follow one of our trails or enjoy the beautiful gardens. Visit the farm or have fun in our fantastic new play barn.

Education and Learning

Staunton is a unique site that will enable you to teach the many areas of the curriculum all in a single location! The Education Programme is led by a dedicated team. Recognising that the programme will attract a wide range of differing needs, we are able to offer you a choice of options to suit your requirements.

More than 70 acres of beautiful gardens and open space
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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Beacon Park is set in more than 70 acres of beautiful gardens and open space.

Museum Gardens is the formal part of the park. With its stunning floral displays and avenue of trees, along with the centrepiece fountain, statues of Captain Smith of the Titanic, King Edward VII, and Erasmus Darwin, it is a must-see on your visit.

Beacon Park also has several play areas, crazy and proper golf, plus a shiny new skatepark, pond dipping, kids' mission trail and loads of sporting facilities. Oh, and a park!

Winner of the “Farm Park of the Year 2013” by the National Farm Attractions Network.
Venue Type: 
Farms
Overall Rating: 
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Meet plenty of furry friends, enjoy Animal Activities and Demonstrations and discover the Giant Indoor Playbarn! Guaranteed to give you the Ahhhh factor, there's stacks of animal fun and indoor play at Odds Farm Park.

In addition, the daily activity programme is jam packed with animal activities and demonstrations: Piggies Tea Time, Cow Milking, Meet The Animals, Sheep Racing, Bottle Feeding Kid Goats and Lambs, Egg Collecting and more throughout the year.

Venue Type: 
Farms
Overall Rating: 
0

A variety of interesting farm zoo animals which originate from across the world including camels, adventure playground, plus let the kids pick their own fruits and vegetables.

We have a large variety of farm zoo animals which originate from across the world and graze all year round at Millets for families to enjoy watching and learning about. These include ponies, pygmy goats, kune kunes, sheep, cattle and domesticated camels! A lakeside pergola allows wild fowl including swans to be fed and watched safely.

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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A lovely park that is free to visit and has plenty to keep everyone amused, including children’s play area, skate park, a bandstand, boat trips on the river, and water play fountains!

The setting includes a natural terrace with excellent views over the river Avon from the higher levels. There are plenty of open grassy areas, a lily pool, and lots of lovely trees and plants to enjoy. The park also has plenty of seating and picnic benches to use, plus a variety of artwork to appreciate, and historic features that include a bell tower and clarion.

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Glenariff Forest Park is one of the 9 Antrim Glens, and has over 1,000 hectares to explore, half of which is full of trees, the other a mix of small lakes, open spaces, lakes and waterfalls. Several trails to follow, including the Waterfall Walkway. 

There are a number of other trails, which will give you great views and chances to see wildlife such as the hen harrier, Irish hare, and red squirrel. The trails vary in length from the Viewpoint Trail, which is about half a mile (0.8km) long, to the Scenic Trail, which is 5.5miles (8.8km) and offers amazing views to enjoy.

Venue Type: 
Farms
Overall Rating: 
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Milk a cow by hand; take part in their Animal Feeding Tour; watch the machine milking; Visit Mini Farm World, Pets' Corner and the Play Area; follow the Farm Trail; take a trailer ride around the farm; and admire the panoramic views across four counties!

Walk the trail, admire the spectacular views across four counties, see the benefit to the environment of organic farming, and on dry days take a trailer ride around the farm.

Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
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The Look Out Discovery Centre has over 90 exhibits suitable for children of all ages. Toddlers and younger children love the indoor stream, mini supermarket and soft play area. Older children through to adults will be fascinated by the hands-on science exhibits and puzzles.

Venue Type: 
Farms
Overall Rating: 
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Deen City Farm is a unique, educational resource in SW London, open free of charge.

Our aim is to give people the opportunity to learn from their visit and contribution to a Working Farm.

The Farm is based on National Trust land (part of the Morden Hall Park Estate) and you can reach the Farm after a pleasant stroll from Morden across Morden Hall Park.

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