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:

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
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Exeter’s world-class museum has stunning new displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities. Its spectacular Victorian building links the modern commercial city centre bustle on Queen Street with the city’s historic past.

The displays reveal Devon and Exeter’s rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and the world cultures galleries display stunning items from all over the world.

The busy programme of exhibitions and events means there is likely to be something different to see on every visit.

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Sheffield Park & Garden

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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Acres of landscape garden bordered by historic parkland and woodland.

The garden is a horticultural work of art formed through centuries of landscape design, with influences of 'Capability' Brown and Humphry Repton. Four lakes form the heart of the garden, with paths circulating through the glades and wooded areas surrounding them. Each owner has left their impression, which can still be seen today in the layout of the lakes, the construction of Pulham Falls, the planting of Palm Walk and the many different tree and shrub species from around the world.

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Craflwyn and Beddgelert

Unwind amongst the wooded foothills of Snowdon
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Nant Gwynant is one of the most dramatic and beautiful valleys in Wales. It's northern slopes rise to the summit of our highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and to the south lies the relatively undisturbed hills of Moel y Dyniewyd and the Moelwynion range.

The Afon Glaslyn river runs through two majestic lakes, Llyn Gwynant and Llyn Dinas, and below the picturesque village of Beddgelert, it tumbles down to sea-level through the positively Alpine Aberglaslyn Pass. The 200 acre Craflwyn estate is set in the heart of beautiful Snowdonia.

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Hartshill Hayes Country Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Large park with adventure playground, offering geocaching, rich woodland walk audio trail and visitor centre.

Covering 137 acres of woodland and open hilltop has magnificent views across the Anker Valley, activities include the adventure playground, geocaching, and the rich woodland walk audio trail, plus visitor centre. The site received the Forestry Authority's 'centre of excellence' award.

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Royal Victoria Country Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

At the Royal Victoria Park there are a wide range of activities that you can enjoy.

Wildlife and Habitats

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Golden Cap

Stunning coastline and England's only natural World Heritage Site
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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The great rocky shoulder of Golden Cap offers magnificent views at every compass point. On a clear day you can see across Lyme Bay to Dartmoor - well worth the effort of the walk uphill.

Stonebarrow Hill is a great starting point for 25 miles of footpaths around the Golden Cap estate. An old radar station houses a National Trust information point, shop, toilets and a basecamp.

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Failand

Rolling countryside with small fields and woodlands divided by hedges and sunken lanes
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Escape to a rural retreat just a few miles south-west of Bristol, where'll you discover fantastic views from the ridge across the Severn estuary to Wales and north back to Bristol. Enjoy peaceful woodlands and babbling brooks.

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Denbies Hillside

Dramatic and stunning chalk escarpment with panoramic views
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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With views towards Leith Hill, the highest point in south east England, Denbies Hillside is a great spot for wildlife-watching.

Named after John Denby, a 17th-century farmer, the hillside is home to a great variety of plants and animals, including adonis blue and chalkhill blue butterflies.

The chalk downland at White Down offers yet more spectacular views. It also hides several Second World War pill boxes, built to defend against a Nazi invasion.

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Devil's Dyke

A legendary beauty spot on the South Downs
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Devil’s Dyke, just five miles north of Brighton, offers stunning panoramas, a record breaking valley, a curious history and England’s most colourful habitat.

At nearly a mile long, the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest 'dry valley' in the UK. Legend has it that the Devil dug this chasm to drown the parishioners of the Weald. On the other hand, scientists believe it was formed naturally just over 10,000 years ago in the last ice age.

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Priorwood Garden & Dried Flower Shop

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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With an enviable setting in the ancient precinct of the magnificent 12th-century Melrose Abbey, this delightfully rustic walled garden has three distinct areas to explore.

A dried flower workshop gives visitors an overview of the garden’s history and highlights, while also housing Scotland’s only dedicated dried flower garden, with a drying room where you can pick your own blooms to order.

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