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:

Worcestershire County Museum

Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
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Visit Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle and discover over 1,000 years of history!

From costume to caravans, travel to toys there really is something for everyone at Worcestershire County Museum. Learn more about this fascinating county, explore the past through room sets and real historical objects and discover just what life was like for our ancestors. A nature reserve, fabulous cafe and well stocked gift shop all add up to a great day out.

School Visits

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Highclere Castle

Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
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Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and a warm, welcoming home to visitors and guests at events and celebrations held here.

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Croft Castle and Parkland

1,000 years of power, politics and pleasure in an intimate family home
Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
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Really welcoming to children: indoors they can play with vintage toys and tinkle on the grand piano, plus explore the cellars and attics; outside there are several play areas and an orienteering course, plus bee hives, Iron Age Hill Fort and other structures to find and explore.

Croft Castle boasts over 1,500 acres of surrounding farm, park and woodland to explore.

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Staunton Harold Reservoir

Venue Type: 
Outdoor Activity
Overall Rating: 
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A wildlife habitat offering many outdoor and leisure activities, such as adventure playgrounds, fishing, bird watching, sailing and cycling.

Staunton Harold is a wildlife habitat offering many outdoor and leisure activities, such as adventure playgrounds, fishing, bird watching, sailing and cycling, as well as countryside walks for those who want to explore the region.

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Oldbury Hill

Discover the remains of an Iron Age hill fort
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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On the summit of Oldbury Hill, commanding a powerfully defensive position, is one of the finest Iron Age hill forts in the Medway, with substantial earth ramparts 2 miles in length. Ancient woodland, scrub and relic heathland disguise its complete outline.

The woodlands support oak, birch and Scots pine with a variety of fungi and plants from the former heathland, including heather and bilberry. Areas of oak coppice are being re-coppiced, making this one of the few Kentish woods where this traditional Wealden management is being practised.

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Malham Tarn Estate

A popular Dales beauty spot set amid rolling hills and rugged moorland
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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This outstanding area of limestone pavements, upland hill farms and flower-rich hay meadows provides a marvellous setting for walking, cycling or just enjoying the great outdoors.

The National Nature Reserve is home to a unique community of rare plants and animals - the bird hide in particular is worth a visit.

Learning

Have you got what it takes to be a hill farmer? See the animals, sit on a tractor, and quiz the farmer!

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Levant Mine and Beam Engine

Unique steam-powered Cornish beam engine in action
Venue Type: 
Science & Technology
Overall Rating: 
0

Part of Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site, this is the only Cornish beam engine anywhere in the world that is still in steam on its original mine site.

The famous Levant engine is housed in a small engine house perched on the edge of the cliffs.

Restored after 60 idle years by a group of volunteers known as the 'Greasy Gang', it is a thrilling experience for young and old alike to see this old engine in action, with its evocative sounds and smells.

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Combe Martin Museum and Tourist Information Point

Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
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Combe Martin has a rich history combining unique social customs with silver mining, lime burning, strawberry growing as well as the maritime aspects. 

A fantastic Seaside Laboratory is open for all to use with the facility to explore the beach and go rock-pooling. Beach safaris led by museum volunteers are held regularly when weather and tides permit

Our unique Sail Loft offers an all year round indoor space for temporary exhibitions, meetings or as a base for school visits.A new exciting programme of activities for all ages is updated regularly.

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Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre

Venue Type: 
Environment Centres
Overall Rating: 
0

A beautiful medieval site with public access for walks and picnics. We run family-focused events through the year, whether it's history, wildlife and environment or archaeology, there'™s something for everyone to learn and have fun too!

We hold events through the year, including exhibitions, workshops and guided walks, culminating in our exciting Medieval Family Fun Day in September.

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Peak Cavern

Venue Type: 
Factory Visits & Industry
Overall Rating: 
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The spectacular entrance is the largest to any cave in Britain. See rope making, the remains of an underground village and find out why it is called "The Devil's Arse"! Guided tours suitable for all ages.

Unusual rock formations, the eerie sound of running water and echoes of a bygone age await you.

Set in the middle of the picturesque Peak District village of Castleton, the approach to Peak Cavern is awe inspiring.

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