Forest Schools
Forest School Site Risk Assessment Template
The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for forest school sites.
Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026
Essential guidance for forest school site safety
A comprehensive site risk assessment forms the foundation of safe forest school practice. It covers general environmental hazards, site boundaries, access points, and emergency procedures that apply across all activities.
This guide covers key hazards including terrain hazards, weather exposure, toxic plants and fungi, fire safety, and child safeguarding in outdoor settings.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor Learning
Activity Benefits
Why forest school sites matter
Nature Connection
Builds connection with nature through regular immersive experiences.
Resilience
Encourages resilience by allowing space for safe risk-taking and challenge.
Independence
Develops independence, problem-solving, and teamwork skills outdoors.
Wellbeing
Supports emotional regulation and wellbeing in natural settings.
Risk Identification
Key hazards & control measures
Terrain HazardsHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Trips, sprains, falls, and impact injuries on uneven woodland ground.
Control Measures
- Daily site walkthrough
- Appropriate footwear required
- Clear main pathways
- Brief on terrain hazards
Toxic Plants & FungiHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Skin irritation, poisoning from ingestion of toxic species.
Control Measures
- Site survey for toxic species
- No eating unknown plants
- Teach plant identification
- Handwashing before food
Weather ExposureMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Hypothermia, heat exhaustion, sunburn, or dehydration.
Control Measures
- Weather forecast checked
- Shelter available on site
- Appropriate clothing policy
- Water and sun protection
Fire SafetyHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Burns, uncontrolled fire spread, toxic fumes from fire activities.
Control Measures
- Designated fire circle
- Fire extinguishing equipment
- Trained fire management
- Emergency procedures clear
This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 23 hazards and 39+ control measures for Forest School Site, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.
Safety Checklist
Forest school site safety checklist
Daily Site Check
- Walkthrough completed
- Hazards identified
- Boundaries secure
- Weather assessed
Emergency Readiness
- First aid kit stocked
- Emergency contacts listed
- Evacuation route clear
- Mobile phone charged
Session Setup
- Headcount completed
- Safety briefing given
- Boundaries explained
- Supervision ratios met
End of Session
- Final headcount
- Fire fully extinguished
- Site left safe
- Incidents logged
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