Tree Climbing Risk Assessment Template
Create a professional, comprehensive risk assessment for tree climbing 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 tree climbing in forest schools settings. You can add, remove or adapt items to match your context.
Potential benefits
- Strengthens connection with nature and respect for trees and wildlife.
- Enhances body awareness and movement planning during complex climbs.
- Teaches risk assessment and decision-making at height in a supervised setting.
- Promotes resilience through repeated practice and overcoming fear.
- Builds confidence and courage as children reach and achieve new challenges.
Typical hazards & measures
- Loose clothing or laces — Children asked to wear fitted clothing. Loose scarves or dangling hoods removed. Shoes checked for secure laces. Staff show how to check and untangle safely.
- Distractions during climbing — Tree climbing area kept quiet and focused. Staff guide children in concentrating on their own movement and the tree’s structure. Group games and chatter held separately.
- Climbing above others — Only one child allowed per tree. Staff establish clear safety zones around trunks, and climbers pause if people enter that zone. Ground-level activities kept at distance.
- Environmental & wildlife hazards — Staff inspect trees and surrounding areas for insect nests, ant trails, wildlife activity, and sap-prone species before climbing. Climbing avoided near active nests or during sensitive nesting seasons. Children wear clothing that reduces skin exposure, avoid touching unknown sap, and are briefed on staying calm if encountering animals. Gloves provided for those with sensitivities. First aid kits include antihistamines and bite/sting creams, and staff know children’s allergy history.
- Peer pressure — Group culture promotes choice and consent. Staff reinforce that not climbing is equally valued. Children supported in making their own decisions without judgment.
How to use this template
- Click Create Risk Assessment: Tree Climbing 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.