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:

Plantasia

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Come and explore our unique tropical haven of wonderful plants and animals situated in the heart of the city.

Why Plantasia?

The City and County of Swansea take their Environmental responsibility very seriously and were inspirational and forward thinking when they decided to create a Rainforest in the middle of the City to highlight the need and importance of looking after and protecting the World we live in. Rainforests are so important as they are the lungs of the World and contain over half the world's species of plants and animals.

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Fontmell and Melbury Downs

Open expanses of flowery downland and far-reaching views
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

This area of natural beauty was bought in memory of Thomas Hardy, to protect the landscape in which his novels are set. Fontmell Down and Harding's Down offer stunning views that stretch for miles across the Blackmore Vale.

From the car park at the top of Spread Eagle Hill, you can embark on many circular walks across the chalk downland. It's a fantastic place to spot butterflies and orchids, which thrive here.

Head north towards Compton Down and Melbury Hill and you will find one of the best displays of glow-worms during June and July (if the weather is good).

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Matlock Farm Park

Venue Type: 
Farms
Overall Rating: 
0

Set in part of a 600 acre working farm, which provides a varied selection of animals to see including llamas, goats, peacocks and red deer. Kids will also enjoy the adventure playground and the go kart track!

Educational Visits

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Harcourt Arboretum

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

The site comprises 130 acres containing the best collection of trees in Oxfordshire with some of the oldest redwoods in the UK

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Ormesby Hall

The Pennyman family's intimate 18th-century mansion
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Home of the Pennyman family for nearly 400 years, this classic Georgian mansion, with its Victorian kitchen and laundry, attractive gardens and estate walks, provides lively resources for local schools and community groups, and a unique venue for wedding ceremonies and corporate events.

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Coleton Fishacre

A 1920s country retreat complete with luxuriant garden by the sea
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Travel back in time to the Jazz Age at the holiday home of the D'Oyly Carte family.

You can lose yourself in the magical 12-hectare (30-acre) garden: viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered valley.

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Downhill Demesne

Visit this stunning landscape and beautiful gardens.
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Here you will find magnificent cliiftop walks, affording rugged headland views across the awe-inspiring North Coast.

Discover the striking 18th-century mansion of the eccentric Earl Bishop that now lies in ruin, then explore Mussenden Temple, perched on the cliff edge. As an extra treat you can learn about the reality of life in the rural 17th-century cottage of Hezlett House, told through people who once lived there in one of Northern Ireland's oldest buildings.

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Lamb House

Georgian house with literary associations
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Red-brick fronted house with literary associations - both Henry James and E. F. Benson, the novelists, lived here.

We like telling stories and making sure our visitors learn about the best bits of this special place so we need guides for the house and garden to bring Lamb House to life. If you can immerse yourself in the history of this place and its jewel of a garden, can tell a good tale or two and keep our visitors enthralled, come and volunteer, we've got several roles available.

The garden

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Lantic Bay and Lansallos

Stretch your legs in a living Cornish landscape
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

We care for some beautiful stretches of land between Lantic Bay and Lansallos in south east Cornwall.

Pencarrow Head is a great starting point, with views of the unspoilt sands of Lantic Bay to the west and the many coves of Lantivet Bay to the east.

With activities ranging from camping and kite flying to walking and watersports there are loads of ways you can explore the coast and countryside.

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Maidenhead and Cookham Commons

An historic landscape full of natural beauty
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

For many years the commons have been at the heart of the local community. At over 874 acres, the wide variety of landscapes offers the perfect escape to the country.

From the Thames riverbank to woodlands and wildflower meadows, there's a lot to discover whether you're on foot, bike or even horseback.

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