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Home » Risk Assessment Templates » Forest Schools » Nature Art and Craft Activity

Nature Art and Craft Risk Assessment Template

Create a professional, comprehensive risk assessment for nature art and craft 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 nature art and craft in forest schools settings. You can add, remove or adapt items to match your context.

Potential benefits

Promotes appreciation of environmental aesthetics and design.
Fosters environmental stewardship by creating with found, natural items.
Encourages artistic expression using colors, textures, and patterns from nature.
Reinforces science learning through patterns, symmetry, and classification.
Strengthens fine motor skills through handling small and delicate materials.

Typical hazards & measures

Water use — Use shallow containers for dye or washing. Limit access to one or two children at a time. Ensure clean-up materials are available. Prevent pooling by locating activities away from dips or mud traps.
Contaminated items — Supervise material collection to avoid sharp objects, litter, or animal waste. Perform a thorough site check before the session. Teach children to alert staff if they find unsuitable items.
Trip, slip, and uneven terrain hazards — Inspect the site before sessions to identify uneven ground, roots, wet or slippery areas, and other trip hazards. Mark or cover problem spots and improve surfaces where possible (e.g., bark chippings in muddy zones). Require suitable footwear and encourage careful movement. Supervise closely in high-risk areas such as slopes or dense vegetation.
Falling branches — Conduct canopy checks before each session. Avoid using areas under damaged or leaning branches. Do not allow tree climbing during craft sessions. Relocate if wind picks up.
Distractions outside activity — Set clear boundaries and expectations. Use physical markers to define zones. Position adults near exits or boundaries to prevent wandering. Redirect with structured tasks.

How to use this template

Click Create Risk Assessment: Nature Art and Craft 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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Select benefits

Select the benefits that apply - you can edit, remove, or add new ones during the wizard.

Select the hazards that apply - you can edit, remove, or add new ones during the wizard.

Select benefits

Encourages artistic expression using colors, textures, and patterns from nature. Fosters environmental stewardship by creating with found, natural items. Links art with mindfulness, slowing children down to observe deeply. Promotes appreciation of environmental aesthetics and design. Reinforces science learning through patterns, symmetry, and classification. Strengthens fine motor skills through handling small and delicate materials.

Select hazards

Allergens Identify known allergies in advance. Avoid use of common triggers (e.g. pollen-heavy plants). Provide gloves if needed. Ensure antihistamines are available and staff are trained in use. Choking hazard Avoid using beads, seeds, or small items under 2cm for younger children. Supervise use of small items closely. Do not allow food during activities involving tiny parts. Contaminated items Supervise material collection to avoid sharp objects, litter, or animal waste. Perform a thorough site check before the session. Teach children to alert staff if they find unsuitable items. Distractions outside activity Set clear boundaries and expectations. Use physical markers to define zones. Position adults near exits or boundaries to prevent wandering. Redirect with structured tasks. Dropped items Remind children to keep tools and materials in their workspace. Designate drop zones for used items. Clear the ground regularly during and after the session to avoid tripping. Emotional distress Allow children to opt out or switch tasks. Provide alternative simpler options. Offer encouragement and peer support. Take breaks as needed. Falling branches Conduct canopy checks before each session. Avoid using areas under damaged or leaning branches. Do not allow tree climbing during craft sessions. Relocate if wind picks up. Fatigue Build in rest periods and provide water. Alternate high- and low-energy tasks. Observe signs of tiredness and adjust pacing as needed. Fire (if part of craft) Use fire only in designated, supervised areas. Brief children on rules before starting. Maintain safety perimeter. Have water, fire blanket and first-aid kit nearby. One adult supervises at all times. Handling natural materials Encourage children to check natural items for sharp points or rough edges before use. Demonstrate safe carrying techniques and gentle handling. Offer gloves if needed and keep first aid available for splinter removal. Hazardous plants Identify and cordon off areas with brambles, nettles or toxic species. Teach children plant recognition and the importance of not picking unknown flora. Provide gloves and wash hands after collection. Improper carrying Demonstrate how to carry sticks and tools safely (pointed down, two hands, walking pace). Remind regularly and monitor during transitions. Inadequate supervision Maintain recommended adult-to-child ratios. Brief all adults on safety, roles and the layout of activities. Station adults at key points. Use walkie-talkies or signals for efficient communication across zones. Insects and ticks Avoid insect-heavy zones. Remind children not to disturb nests or swat insects. Provide insect repellent if needed. Conduct tick checks post-session and record any bites. Have allergy medication onsite where relevant. Low-level and overhead eye hazards Inspect the site for protruding sticks, low branches, or other hazards at eye/head height before sessions. Trim, tape, or clearly mark them where possible. Instruct children to move slowly and use protective arm positions in dense areas. Discourage running in wooded zones to reduce collision risk. Mud and soil Use clean, pre-checked areas for collecting mud or clay. Enforce no tasting or face contact. Encourage thorough handwashing post-use. Avoid muddy slopes for crafting. Noise or overstimulation Monitor volume levels. Provide quiet areas for those who need a break. Avoid loud group announcements where possible. Keep group sizes small for intense tasks. Overcrowding Spread groups across several activity stations. Set limits on the number of children per table or tarp. Use adult helpers to monitor each zone and rotate groups to avoid crowding. Poor instruction Provide visual and verbal instruction. Model each step clearly before group work. Check understanding through child demonstration. Use adult support to clarify when needed. Resource misuse Set clear rules for using craft materials. Demonstrate appropriate use. Monitor for inappropriate or unsafe use and address immediately. Store spares out of reach. Rope and string Pre-cut string and rope to safe lengths. Demonstrate correct use. Forbid tying around necks or limbs. Supervise closely during weaving or knot work. Remove unused lengths immediately after use. Students with additional needs Staff made aware of individual needs in advance. 1:1 support provided where needed. Instructions given visually and verbally. Activity adapted to be sensory-friendly if required. Staff monitor regulation and offer breaks without stigma. Tool use Use age-appropriate tools (e.g. scissors, peelers) with clear demonstrations. Enforce seated use and one tool per child. Collect tools in/out and supervise continuously. Store tools in secure containers when not in use. Trip, slip, and uneven terrain hazards Inspect the site before sessions to identify uneven ground, roots, wet or slippery areas, and other trip hazards. Mark or cover problem spots and improve surfaces where possible (e.g., bark chippings in muddy zones). Require suitable footwear and encourage careful movement. Supervise closely in high-risk areas such as slopes or dense vegetation. Water use Use shallow containers for dye or washing. Limit access to one or two children at a time. Ensure clean-up materials are available. Prevent pooling by locating activities away from dips or mud traps. Weather conditions Monitor weather daily and in real time. Provide appropriate gear (e.g. sun hats, raincoats). Adapt activity to conditions—offer shelter or pause if needed. Avoid overhead work in high winds or electrical storms.

FAQ

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Can I edit a saved assessment?

Yes, personal and unlimited members can edit saved assessments from the account dashboard.

Related activities in Forest Schools

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Cooking on Fire risk assessment
Wildlife Watching risk assessment
Tool Use risk assessment
Mud Play risk assessment

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