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:

Lindisfarne Castle

Romantic 16th-century castle with spectacular views
Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
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From a former fort to the holiday home of a wealthy Edwardian bachelor seeking a quiet retreat from London, the idyllic location of Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island has intrigued and inspired for centuries.

The Castle came into being during the Anglo-Scottish Wars, a series of conflicts lasting many centuries that only ended with the accession of James VI of Scotland to the throne of England in 1603. For over 300 years the castle was a garrisoned fort manned by soldiers.

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Blithfield Education Centre

Venue Type: 
Environment Centres
Overall Rating: 
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Blithfield offers a range of programmes to support education in schools on the themes of water and the environment.

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Robin Hood's Major Oak Treasure Trail

Venue Type: 
Tours
Overall Rating: 
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Looking for a fun and interesting way to explore Robin Hood country? Don't just wander around aimlessly, do a Treasure Trail! These fun Trails show you the most interesting, historical and scenic locations. Enjoy a fun walk in the fresh air and solve the clues along the way.

Robin Hood’s Major Oak Treasure Trail is a fantastic way to explore. 

Children love competing to solve the clues and don’t even realise they are learning about the area and getting some exercise!

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Clevedon Court

Outstanding 14th-century manor house and 18th-century terraced garden
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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Home to the lords of the manor of Clevedon for centuries, the core of the house is a remarkable survival from the medieval period.

The house was purchased by Abraham Elton in 1709 and it is still the much-loved family home of his descendants today.

Explore the striking display of Eltonware pottery and a fascinating collection of Nailsea glass.

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Lodge Park and Sherborne Estate

A 17th-century grandstand and Cotswold country estate
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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Lodge Park

John 'Crump' Dutton built this 17th-century grandstand, fuelled by his passion for deer coursing, gambling, banqueting and entertaining.

Lodge Park became the National Trust's first restoration project in 1998 and relied on archaeological evidence to return the building to its former glory. It's situated approximately two and a half miles from the village of Sherborne and the wider Sherborne estate, the other side of the A40.

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Florence Court

Beautiful 18th-century house
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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There is something for all the family at this warm and welcoming 18th-century property, the former home of the Earls of Enniskillen. The house enjoys a peaceful setting in west Fermanagh, with a dramatic backdrop of mountains and forests. There are glorious walks to enjoy, as well as fine vistas and play areas. There is even a charming walled garden.

Every aspect of life in this classical Irish house, with its fine interiors and exquisite decoration, are brought to life on fascinating guided tours.

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Dunstanburgh Castle

Massive ruined castle in an impressive coastal setting
Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
0

Dramatic Dunstanburgh Castle was built at a time when relations between King Edward II and his most powerful baron, Earl Thomas of Lancaster, had become openly hostile.

Built on the most magnificent scale, Dunstanburgh Castle stands on a remote headland in Northumberland.

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Hurst Castle

Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
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Hurst Castle provides a remote escape by the sea with plenty of things to do and see! Built by Henry VIII it was one of the most advanced artillery fortresses in the England.

The castle was used as a prison for eminent 17th century captives, including Charles I who was imprisoned here in 1648 before being taken to London to his trial and execution, and later strengthened during the 19th and 20th centuries.

It commands the narrow entrance to the Solent with glimpses of the Isle of Wight on clear days!

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St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Formed by a series of volcanic eruptions, the craggy landscape of St Abb’s Head on the Berwickshire coast is a National Nature Reserve famous for its clamouring seabirds, rugged coastline, rich grasslands and crystal-clear waters.

A veritable ‘seabird city’, St Abb’s Head is a year-round haven for birdwatchers, walkers and wildlife lovers.

The dramatic cliffs provide spectacular vantage points from which to watch thousands of nesting seabirds, including guillemots, kittiwakes and razorbills.

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Stockwood Discovery Centre

Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
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The Stockwood Discovery Centre is designed with environmentally green and sustainable principles in mind.

With interactive display, variety of gardens, children play area, special events and activities, bee gallery and much more, it is a wonderful visitor attraction and museum. Collection highlights include the Wenlok Jug, the Shillington gold coin hoard and the Mossman collection.

It tells the stories of real people behind the collections, exploring the history of the region from prehistoric times to the evolution of Stockwood House and the Farley estate.

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