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:

Heigham Holmes

A remote island in the Norfolk Broads
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

You may not have heard of Heigham Holmes, but this 500 acre nature reserve is an oasis of calm and a haven for wildlife – and heaven for wildlife lovers.

It’s a unique and internationally important site, with reed-fringed flood banks, open water, grazing marsh, scrub and wet woodland. They're linked by a maze of dykes and pools characteristic of the Norfolk broadland landscape.

Look out for marsh harriers, barn owls, bittern and crane, which all call the reserve home, along with wading birds such as lapwing and redshank.

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Beecraigs Country Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Beecraigs Country Park is a great place to visit. It caters for a wide range of leisure and recreational activities within its 370 hectares (913 acres) and can be discovered nestled high in the Bathgate Hills near the historic town of Linlithgow. The Park is open throughout the year and admission is free.

At Beecraigs, visitors can experience the Red Deer herd, Highland Cattle fold and Belted Galloways. They can play in the playground, go orienteering, cycling or horse riding, or wnjoy the beauty of the park by simply walking.

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Umberslade Adventure Park

Venue Type: 
Outdoor Activity
Overall Rating: 
0

Umberslade Adventure is an outdoor play area set in an 80 acre woodland in the heart of Warwickshire, offering physical and educational activities for all ages.

These include:
420ft Zip line: swoop from the trees if you think you are brave enough. It will get your adrenaline pumping.

Low ropes course: provides tactical and fun elements all in safety of being 2 feet from the ground.

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Clan Donald Visitor Centre at Armadale Castle

Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
0

Welcome to Clan Donald Skye, a magnificent 20,000 acre estate in south Skye. Enjoy an outstanding holiday experience, exploring the historic gardens and woodland trails around Armadale Castle, learning about highland history in our fascinating Museum of the Isles or staying in our self-catering lodges.

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Ufton FIelds Nature Reserve

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

This 100 acre site, managed in partnership with 

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Box Hill

So much to explore
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Box Hill is the perfect place to discover a family walk and explore the beautiful Surrey Hills. Forming part of the North Downs, Box Hill has breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside. It's home to some fantastic wildlife and plants too, including the Adonis blue butterfly and bee orchid.

This month, why don't you try out some of our fantastic walks leaflets? There are lots of walks over the hill, which you can download here, or collect on site. Whatever the weather and however much time you have, there'll be something for everyone.

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Fell Foot

Lakeshore park with stunning mountain views
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Situated at the very southern tip of Lake Windermere, Fell Foot is a great, family friendly location to play, explore and relax. Sweeping lawns offer plenty of space for games, picnics and gentle walks, while easy lake access makes the park perfect for paddling, swimming and boating.

Rowing boats are available to hire (from April to October 2014) and our adventure playground offers fun for all ages.

The boathouse café is a fantastic place to be. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a warming cup of delicious hot chocolate, coffee or tea.

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Noss Mayo

Discover dramatic cliffs and the tranquil Yealm Estuary
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Explore the quaint village of Noss Mayo situated at the mouth of the river Yealm.

Travel through the Passage Woods, ablaze with bluebells in the spring, to discover stunning coastal vistas. Admire wonderful views for miles around from the 19th-century Revelstroke Drive, and walk along the cliff paths to discover the remains of Napoleonic and Second World War sea defences at Stoke Point.

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Nymans

A garden lovers' home for all seasons, with an extensive yet intimate garden set around a romantic house and ruins.
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

In the late 1800s Ludwig Messel bought the Nymans Estate in the Sussex High Weald to make a dream family house. Inspired by the wooded surroundings he created a garden with plants collected from around the world. Here this creative family entertained friends and family, enjoyed relaxing, playing and picnicking in the garden and woods. Today it is still a garden lovers' home - a place to relax all year round and enjoy a peaceful country garden.

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Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood

Explore Essex's second largest area of common land after Epping Forest, a survivor of a lost way of life
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Lose yourself in 214 acres of heath, gorse and coppice encompassing a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), ancient woodland and military defences designed to give Napoleon a run for his money.

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