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Den Building Risk Assessment Template
Create a professional, comprehensive risk assessment for den building in forest schools settings. Tailor hazards and measures to your needs and download a professional PDF. Add your own branding.
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What this covers.
This template focuses on typical risks and controls for den building in forest schools settings. You can add, remove or adapt items to match your context.
Potential benefits
Develops physical literacy through crawling, stretching, lifting, and balancing.
Stimulates creativity as children imagine, design, and build their own dens.
Encourages resilience and adaptability as children problem-solve structural flaws.
Provides immersive role-play opportunities that deepen engagement with nature.
Promotes collaboration and negotiation when working in small groups.
Typical hazards & measures
Tools causing cuts or injuries
— Tools stored centrally and only used with adult supervision. Deliver a clear safety talk before use. Provide gloves and one-to-one guidance. Limit tools to appropriate age groups and tasks. Clean and check tools regularly.
Poisonous plants or fungi
— Conduct plant ID checks regularly. Remove known poisonous specimens. Teach children never to eat wild plants or fungi. Reinforce handwashing before eating. Provide visual ID aids for awareness.
Uneven ground
— Inspect the site before each session to identify roots, holes, and rocks. Mark hazardous areas with flags or cord. Brief children clearly and remind them to move slowly and watch their footing. Ensure all children wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear.
Bites or stings from insects or nettles
— Walk the site beforehand and mark stinging plants. Wear long clothing and closed shoes. Teach children plant ID and how to move calmly around insects. Carry antihistamine cream and first aid kit.
Lifting fatigue or muscle strain
— Demonstrate safe lifting posture—bend knees, straight back. Children must only lift what they can handle comfortably. Promote team lifting for logs or tarps. Monitor closely and rotate tasks to prevent overexertion.
How to use this template
Click Create Risk Assessment: Den Building to begin immediately.
Review suggested hazards and measures, then tailor as needed.
Download your PDF. Create a free account if you want to save.
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