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Children learning outdoors in forest school
School & Education

Forest School Risk Assessment Template

The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for forest school and outdoor learning sessions.

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Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026

In This Guide

1 Introduction & Overview 2 Activity Benefits 3 Hazards & Control Measures 4 Safety Checklist 5 Related Guides

The essential guide to forest school safety

Forest school provides transformative outdoor learning experiences in woodland settings. From tool use and fire lighting to tree climbing and nature exploration, these sessions offer unique developmental benefits while presenting specific safety challenges.

This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough forest school risk assessment—from sharp tools and campfires to wildlife, weather, terrain hazards, and emergency procedures.

Children engaged in outdoor forest school activities
Educational
Activity Benefits

Why forest school is worth the investment

Resilience Building

Enhances resilience and self regulation through challenging outdoor tasks.

Problem Solving

Builds problem solving, risk assessment, and persistence.

Nature Connection

Strengthens connection with nature and environmental stewardship.

Wellbeing

Increases wellbeing through time outdoors and reflective practice.

Risk Identification

Key hazards & control measures

Sharp ToolsHigh Risk
Potential Harm

Cuts, lacerations from knives, saws, and other woodland tools.

Control Measures
  • Tool use training before handling
  • Age-appropriate tools selected
  • 1:1 supervision for new tool users
  • Designated safe zones for tool work
Fire LightingHigh Risk
Potential Harm

Burns, fire spreading, smoke inhalation from campfires.

Control Measures
  • Fire pit in designated location
  • Fire safety rules taught and enforced
  • Water/sand available to extinguish
  • Fire never left unattended
Tree ClimbingMedium Risk
Potential Harm

Falls from height, injuries from branches, getting stuck.

Control Measures
  • Trees assessed for suitability
  • Height limits set and communicated
  • One climber per tree at a time
  • Adult supervision during climbing
WeatherMedium Risk
Potential Harm

Hypothermia, heatstroke, sunburn, slips in wet conditions.

Control Measures
  • Weather checked before each session
  • Appropriate clothing required
  • Shelter available if needed
  • Session cancelled in extreme conditions

This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 38 hazards and 88+ control measures for Forest School, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.

Safety Checklist

Pre-session checklist

Site

  • Site walkthrough done
  • Hazardous trees checked
  • Boundaries identified
  • Emergency access clear

Equipment

  • Tools inspected
  • Fire equipment ready
  • First aid kit stocked
  • Communication devices charged

Conditions

  • Weather forecast checked
  • Ground conditions assessed
  • Appropriate for activities
  • Shelter plan in place

Group

  • Ratios appropriate
  • Medical info accessible
  • Clothing suitable
  • Boundaries explained

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