Nature Walks Risk Assessment
Create a professional, comprehensive risk assessment for nature walks 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 walks in forest schools settings. You can add, remove or adapt items to match your context.
Potential benefits
- Teaches navigation using environmental cues and basic compass skills.
- Supports mindfulness and present awareness through natural exploration.
- Strengthens relationships through shared exploration and conversation.
- Develops curiosity through discovery of local plants, tracks, and habitats.
- Encourages movement and physical fitness through purposeful outdoor travel.
Typical hazards & measures
- Loud noises or sudden sounds — Staff prepare children for possible natural noises such as rustling, birdsong, or distant machinery. Children are coached on staying calm if startled.
- Natural terrain hazards — Inspect routes before sessions to identify low branches, exposed roots, loose rocks, uneven ground, slippery surfaces, and steep slopes. Mark or remove hazards where possible and guide the group through them carefully. Advise sturdy footwear and demonstrate safe walking techniques for challenging terrain. Provide close supervision in higher-risk sections.
- Weather exposure and wet clothing — Check forecasts before sessions and adapt plans to suit conditions. Ensure children wear weather-appropriate clothing, including waterproof layers in wet conditions. Provide spare dry clothes on site and adjust session length or location to prevent prolonged exposure. Plan shelter options for sudden weather changes and monitor participants for early signs of cold stress.
- Overexcitement — Staff set calm expectations before the walk and use group calls or quiet signs to manage energy. Children are praised for calm walking and are given space to regulate when needed.
- Animal encounters — Staff assess potential encounters with livestock or wild animals. Children are briefed on how to behave calmly and quietly, and routes avoid known animal territories where needed.
How to use this template
- Click Create Risk Assessment: Nature Walks to begin immediately.
- Review suggested hazards and measures, then tailor as needed.
- Download your PDF. Create a free account if you want to save.
FAQ
Do I need an account to start?
You can begin filling out your risk assessment straight away. Create a free account if you want to save your work.
Can I download a PDF?
Yes - download a clean, professional PDF at the end.
Can I edit a saved assessment?
Yes, personal and unlimited members can edit saved assessments from the account dashboard.
