Nature Walk Through Woodland - Free Risk Assessment Template PDF
This free Nature Walk Through Woodland risk assessment template is designed for forest schools settings. It outlines typical hazards and suggests control measures, helping you tailor the document to your organization. Use it as a starting point, customise in our online wizard and download a professional PDF in moments.
Activity Summary
Children walk through woodland as a group, following agreed paths and boundaries. The walk may include observation activities, nature connection, or simple exploration under leader supervision.
Purpose of Activity
To allow children to walk through woodland and spot natural features such as trees, plants, and wildlife.
Benefits of Activity
- Develops curiosity through discovery of local plants, tracks, and habitats.
- Encourages movement and physical fitness through purposeful outdoor travel.
- Reduces stress and improves well-being through time in natural settings.
- Teaches navigation using environmental cues and basic compass skills.
- Enables exploration of biodiverse natural areas while teaching plant identification, respect for wild flora, and how to manage personal health risks outdoors.
- Encourages respectful wildlife observation and emotional regulation.
- Allows children to explore and move through natural environments while learning group responsibility, spatial awareness, and how to stay safe together outdoors.
- Teaches road awareness and safe group movement.
- Reinforces healthy habits and body-awareness during outdoor activity.
- Teaches personal hygiene and environmental responsibility.
- Promotes inclusivity and ensures all learners can take part fully in outdoor experiences.
- Encourages calm responses to natural encounters and builds resilience.
- Encourages environmental care and safe decision-making when encountering unfamiliar items.
- Allows safe exploration of varied, natural landscapes while building balance, coordination, and confidence navigating real-world outdoor environments.
- Helps children stay alert and aware in shared outdoor environments.
- Builds physical confidence and adaptability on different terrain types.
- Ensures meaningful access to nature for all children, regardless of ability.
- Reinforces safety around water and respect for natural boundaries.
- Enables safe participation in outdoor activities across a range of weather conditions while developing resilience, adaptability, and self-care skills.
Hazards and Control Measures
| Hazard | Control Measures |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions and hazardous plants | Identify children’s allergies in advance and adapt routes or activities to avoid triggers. Survey routes for hazardous plants such as nettles, brambles, foxglove, or hogweed, and point them out to participants. Provide or require protective clothing like long sleeves and trousers. Instruct children not to touch or ingest unknown plants. Carry relevant medication (e.g., antihistamines, EpiPen) and ensure staff are trained in its use. |
| 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. |
| Child separation | Use a buddy system and assign adults to the front, middle, and back of the group if appropriate. Conduct headcounts at key points and stop regularly to regroup. Set clear boundaries and designated meet-up points. Adjust the walking pace to suit all abilities and provide additional support where needed to keep the group together. |
| Crossing roads or driveways | Walks avoid roads where possible. If necessary, adults stop traffic and cross first. Children cross in groups with adult supervision and clear signals. |
| Dehydration or fatigue | Children are reminded to bring water and snacks. Regular hydration and rest breaks are built into the walk. Staff monitor energy levels and adjust the pace as needed. |
| Dog fouling | Staff check walk routes for signs of dog fouling and guide children around affected areas. Children are reminded not to touch anything on the ground and to wash hands after the walk. |
| Falling behind due to SEN needs | Staff identify needs in advance and assign 1:1 support if required. Walk pace is adjusted to suit the group. Visual and verbal instructions are used and movement breaks offered. |
| Insect stings or bites | Staff check the route for nests or high insect activity. Children wear long clothing and are taught to remain calm around insects. Staff carry first aid for stings and are briefed on allergies. |
| Litter or broken glass | Staff survey the walk route for dangerous litter such as glass or metal. Children are told not to pick up any unknown objects. Any hazards found are removed by adults using gloves. |
| 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. |
| Public access or strangers | Walks avoid areas with heavy public foot traffic when possible. Children are told not to talk to strangers. Staff stay alert to others and keep children in sight at all times. |
| Steep inclines or declines | Steep areas are avoided where possible or approached slowly. Children are shown how to walk with stable footing. Adults assist children one at a time if needed. |
| Students with additional needs | Staff are briefed on specific needs. Instructions are given visually and verbally. Sensory-friendly options are provided and children can take breaks if overwhelmed without stigma. |
| Water bodies or drainage ditches | Routes avoid open water unless specifically part of the activity and supervised. Edges are marked, and children are told to stay well back. Staff keep constant visual checks. |
| 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. |
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FAQ
How do I use this template?
Click “Edit Using Wizard” to customise the assessment for your organization, then download a PDF.
Can I edit the hazards and controls?
Yes, all sections can be adjusted in the wizard before exporting your final document.
