Sadler’s WoodAnnual Review 2016

Bluebells in May NNDC

Contents1. Introduction2. Directions and parking3. Green Flag Award and North Norfolk District Council4. Vision and objectives5. Access6. Staff resources7. Friends of Sadler’s Wood8. Volunteers9. Main achievements since 201110. Health and Safety11. Cleansing12. Biodiversity13. Events 14. Marketing15. Financial16. Action Plan17. Inspection report

Appendix 1 – Forestry Commission Management PlanAppendix 2 – Risk Assessments

1 IntroductionSadler’s Wood and the surrounding open space lies at the eastern side of the market town of North Walsham which is the largest town in North Norfolk with a population of about 12,000. The town is growing and the Sadler’s Wood area provides an important natural resource that serves a large new residential area in and around Brick Kiln Road together with the more established community including Manor, Fairview and Nelson Road. The site is within walking distance of much of the town and is en route between school and home for many children and young people. Whilst the wood mainly serves the resident population, visitors from further afield are always welcome.

The Wood is predominantly a plantation of scots pine dating back to the 1950,s but it also contains some veteran oak, sweet chestnut and hornbeam trees. In spring the woodland floor is covered in a carpet of bluebells. The surrounding area consists of part amenity grassland for informal games and part more natural grassland where native flora is encouraged. There are some sculptures produced by local artists, interpretation and a play area which is well used.

The site is managed by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) and the Rangers undertake regular safety inspections and litter patrols.

The woodland was included in the Forestry Commission (FC) English Woodland Grant Scheme from which an income was derived. The scheme closed in 2014. Any successor scheme will require the use of the Forestry Commission management plan model. Consequently, this model is used for NNDC woodlands including Sadler’s Wood in anticipation of possible future FC funding. It is hoped this site will qualify for grant funding in future.

Sadler’s Wood is a vital resource for the local community.

This review describes significant activities and progress of the past year. It is supplementary to the Management Plan and adds detail and background information.

Veteran hornbeam NNDC

2 Directions and parking - Postcode: NR28 9XZ

There are no formal parking facilities that serve Sadler’s Wood and opportunities do not readily exist for the creation of a car park. Parking is limited to on-street parking.

Visitors arriving by car should park at the end of Fairview or Nelson Road at the north of the site.

Visitors wishing to park at the south side of the site should use Sadler’s Way, Plantation Road or Brick Kiln Road.

Visitors parking on the roadside should always show consideration to residents by not causing obstructions or parking in dangerous places

There are several pedestrian access points from the surrounding streets into the site. Accesses from Sadler’s Way, Fairview and Nelson Road are tar paved. Other accesses are more natural and can be uneven or muddy in wet weather.

Sadler’s Wood – accesses and main featuresNot to scale

3 Green Flag Award and North Norfolk District CouncilSuccess in Green Flag is one of the council’s core objectives and achieving Green Flag Status is included in the council’s Annual Action Plan..

‘Annual Action Plan ref: C A 01 – Coast Countryside and Built Heritage.Activity – We will assess and implement requirements for new Green Flag Awards and work to retain the existing awards’

Sadler’s Wood has held Green Flag Status since 2012/13. Green Flag accreditation for Sadler’s Wood was very well received by the community and especially elected members and senior management. The Green Flag continues to be a North Norfolk District Council corporate target and it is the achievement of this award that raises the profile of the whole service among decision makers and helps maintain what is a discretionary service vulnerable to resource reductions.

Sadler’s Wood was first awarded a Green Flag in 2013 NNDC

4 Vision and objectives

The vision for Sadler’s Wood is:

to provide a high quality open space for the the local community to enjoy

Objectives (from Management Plan 2016 – 2025) see Appendix 3 1. Maintain a clean, safe, welcoming place promoting positive public access2. Manage the wood to diversify age and species structure3. Maintain existing feature trees

4. Replanting of native broadleaves5. Maintain and enhance historic hedgerows6. Manage open areas for grassland species with standard broadleaf feature trees /

groups7. Gradually replace conifers with broadleaves to create mixed woodland

5 Access The site is used by residents of the east side of North Walsham and is not a significant destination site for visitors from out of the area. The wider publicity given to events in 2015/16 did not change this and although the Wood will always be promoted widely, for the present time it will principally be managed as a local resource. There is no specific car park provision, because the site is predominantly used by local residents and the small number of people visiting by car can park in adjacent estate roads.At present disabled provision is limited although there is a good quality tarmac path linking the established residential area around Nelson Road with the newer houses around Brick Kiln Road. In order to address easier access to the site as a whole, the standard of maintenance to the informal paths will continue to be improved where possible.Finger post signage was provided at access points from Brick Kiln and Fairview Road in early 2016.

There has been a long term aspiration to link the Sadler’s Wood site to the wider countryside particularly Bacton Woods some two miles to the east which is currently managed by North Norfolk District Council in partnership with The Forestry Commission. There are no public rights of way between the two woods and the land is privately owned. However this would be a very worthwhile outcome if it could be achieved and will remain a long term aspiration.

6 Staff ResourcesThe Council’s Countryside team operate a number of open access sites throughout the district and Sadler’s Wood is one of these. It is not necessary to maintain a daily presence on site but it is routinely visited at least twice a week.

7 Sadler’s Wood Friends Group

Unfortunately the Friends group declined over the last few years.However, in 2016 and in spring 2017 we approached North Walsham infant and junior school and asked if they would like to use Sadlers wood for outdoor learning. Providing them with ranger led activities such as mini beast hunts, survival skills with shelter building, guided wildlife walks. We have also asked the schools involvement to help us design the main interpretation board and artwork for Sadlers wood. We would also like the school to use the wood independently. Hopefully this will then encourage visitors to our events, help start a new friends group and expand our volunteer group.

8 VolunteersIn 2013 Muddy Boots Volunteers was set up as an in-house conservation group. The volunteers are directly supervised by NNDC rangers and have carried out work on our NNDC sites.

We recognised the importance of good supervision for volunteer work and have provided the necessary staff resource to enable volunteer sessions to achieve meaningful results. It is clear that the volunteers are deriving great satisfaction from their work given their enthusiasm for the various activities undertaken.

9 Main achievements in 2016 Green Flag Award secured in 2016

10 Health & Safety and tree managementThe Council’s Tree Management Policy sets out the rationale for the management of tree safety on council owned land. This requires formal inspections on an 18-month basis. In accordance with good practice, a zoned approach to risk is taken with trees adjacent to paths, boundaries and private property receiving a high standard of maintenance. A lesser standard is acceptable within the woodland itself where visitor use is minimal. Formal tree inspections are undertaken by Council staff.

All staff are qualified to LANTRA Basic Tree Survey and Inspection which enables informal tree inspections to be made. We also have one member of staff who is a professional tree inspector. The rangers are competent to operate machinery in public places.

Large pieces of timber remain on site to be collected later and sold as fire wood. Brash is chipped and dispersed on site or retained in habitat piles.

Sadler’s Wood was last formally inspected in August 2015 and subsequent remedial works were completed.

The site in general and features are inspected by rangers monthly and an itemised inspection schedule is completed. Paths, art works, bins, benches, structures, information points, trails etc. are covered. The rangers undertake most of the grounds maintenance work but the mowing of the kick about area is undertaken by Kier Services. All significant activities and operations are covered by risk assessments. The risk assessments were reviewed in January 2017 and these are contained in Appendix 2.

The play area has been in place since October 2012 and consists of a zip wire, slide, nest swing and toddler swings. The equipment was provided by Kompan and the funding was from a contribution for play made by Persimmon in respect of the residential development.

The play area is well used and has proven to be robust with only minor maintenance required.

To supplement routine visual inspections of the play area formal inspections are carried out by The Play Inspection Company quarterly together with all other play areas throughout the district under the council’s control.

11 CleansingThe site is litter picked every two weeks and more often when needed. Dog bins are emptied daily in summer and twice weekly in winter by Kier Services, the Council’s refuse, cleansing and grounds maintenance contractor.

The general philosophy for our woodland and open access sites is not to provide litter bins where possible and to encourage people to take their rubbish home. However Sadler’s wood differs in being very close to a large residential area is well used and forms part of the route to and from schools. In view of the volume of litter that sometimes needs to be removed litter bins are provided. Whilst the bins partially address the litter problem there is still a need to carry out regular litter patrols. The new play area is well used but is a hot spot for litter. Additional bins have been provided in the vicinity of the play area. 12 Biodiversity The management plan objectives seek to enhance biodiversity by the gradual removal of pine and replanting with native broadleaves. The bluebells are a spectacular feature in spring and were further encouraged in 2013 by division and replanting in. Wild flower areas have been established in 10 m2 blocks at the south end of the site and in strips along the paths.

Ecological survey work was undertaken in 2013 to list species of flora and further work will be done in 2017.

Bluebells under veteran sweet chestnut NNDC

13 EventsThe Countryside and Parks Team hold around 40 events on beaches and parks venues each year. In both 2012 and 2013, 13 events were held at Sadler’s Wood but attendance levels were very low in comparison with other venues despite of extensive advertising and publicity. In 2015 and 2016, the number of events offered at Sadler’s Wood was reduced to two with staff resources being redirected to other venues. Event numbers will also be decreased overall to 30 due to demands on staff time.

The strategy for events for the whole Countryside Service is as follows:

Holt Country Park shows consistently good attendance numbers from both local residents and visitors. It has the benefit of car parking, toilets and other amenities and is ideal for moderately sized events.

Events that have the potentially attract large numbers of people will be offered at Pretty Corner Woods which has sufficient car park capacity to meet demand.

Events at Sadler’s Wood attract few participants and are not economical in terms of staff resources. This is an important local resource and a limited events programme will continue to be offered.

Two to four beach events will be held each year in support of the Blue Flag Programme

2016 events reviewdate details adults children total27th July Mini beast hunt 4 6 1015th August Wild treasure hunt 9 22 31

2017 events programmedate details Charge

Adults£

ChargeChildren £

31st May Water rockets 0 215th August Sports and games 0 2

14 PublicityThere is a wealth of inexpensive marketing media available and in 2016 publicity was provided through:

1. Mailing list (people who complete events feedback form)2. Events booklet – sent to schools, post offices, caravan sites, shops. Village halls

tourist information centres.3. Press releases4. Eastern Daily Press free adverts5. North Norfolk News free adverts6. Fun Outside (school publication)7. Broadland Clusters Website8. North Norfolk District Council Website www.northnorfolk.org9. North Norfolk Radio10.Banners and notices on – site11.Free newspapers12.Twitter13.Word of mouth14.Facebook

15 FinancialSadler’s wood does not have its own revenue budget and expenditure is included in wider budgets. Clearly costs are incurred with respect to council staff time but indicative typical expenditure is shown below for expenditure by contractors and others.

Revenue expenditure item Cost £MJ Tree Services – remedial tree works Nil in 2016Kier Services – grass cutting 400Kier Services – Dog bin emptying 280Playground inspection and maintenance 200Capital expenditure itemNo expenditure nil

16 Action PlanObjective target 2016 status 2017 plans

A welcoming placeNew interpretation board June

2017incomplete Further

interpretation by end of 2017.

Install interpretation along woodland trail

Install by July 2017

Part complete Further interpretation by July 2017

Healthy safe and secureEmergency contact details posters.H&S information on-site

On going

On going By June 2017

Site safety inspections monthly complete On-goingPlay area inspections 4 times

a year – on-going

inspections complete

On-going

Tree Inspections June 2017

Formal inspection completed August 2015

Next inspection Feb 2017

Tree works On-going

Tree work arising from formal inspection part completed Dec 2013

Complete works to mature oak – end Fairview Road by Sept 2016

maintenance to paths verges and grass banks

On-going

completed On-going

Remedial works to paths in woods and Woodside entrance

May 2015

complete

Safety inspections of site features On-going

completed On-going

Re-site goal posts and reinstate(last done Dec 2012) (mystery shop feedback)

(completed sept 2014)

Completed

Personal health and safetyReplace broken finger posts. By Dec 2017

Conservation and heritageEncourage bluebell growth by controlling vegetation

Dec 2015

completed Further work to Dec 2017

Maintain scrubland between play area and wild flower area as natural screen

Annually Nov - Mar

completed On-going

Species surveys Dec 2016

Not done Further work to Dec 2017

Phased under-planting with native broadleaves

Complete by 2019

N/A On going.

Manage short grassland at west end as wild meadow

June 2017

N/A Evaluate success in sept 2017

Investigate linking Sadler’s Wood with Bacton Wood

Complete by May 2013

No progress Revise target to July 2017

Increase habitat piles using pine branches

20% site covered by Dec 2016

N/A Implement May – Aug 2017

Grassland area, wildflower area. On going.

Increase in 2017

Community InvolvementFriends group Firewood

incentive to join friend’s team.

By July 2017

number of events 2 events planned

2 events held

2 events planned

Encourage use by local schools for project work

Sessions held by end 2017

Activities held byDec 2017

Possible NNDC Friends group for all sites.Contact the local housing association for community consultation of Sadlers wood.

Community consultation.

By July 2017

SustainabilityImplement FC woodland design plan to include:Planting of coupsRemoval of sycamore and birch in favour of oakCoppice trees and shrubs along residential boundaryMaintenance of hedgerowGrassland cuttingMaintenance of planted areasPlant hedgerowReview Woodland Design Plan With Forestry Commission

On-going to 2022

CompleteCompleteCompleteCompleteOn-goingOn-goingOn-goingOn-going

reviewed

On-going in 2017

Environmental sustainability.Recycle litter.

On going

On going On going

ManagementAnnual review of management plan Annuall

yCompleted Jan 2016

Complete by Jan 2017

MarketingIncreased promotion of events Feb

2017completed Maintain

current levelsProduce new publicity leaflet July

2017Included in other publicity

Maintain current levels

Marketing strategyThe next edition of the management plan will include a marcomms planWork with all departments to establish a clear time orientated plan for improvements to signage.

Sept 2017

Marketing plan by 2017

Encourage new friends group/volunteer group.

July 2017

17 Inspection sheet

DATE. INSPECTORR: MONTHLY

Sadlers wood Or X Frequency: Monthly

Notes

Entrance signsPathsPit areaBenchesWay markersFencingPlay areaBinsInformation board

Appendix 2a OPERATIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk Assessment

Countryside and Parks owned and managed by NNDC

Service Countryside

Date 20.01.17

Activity District Assessment

Assessor(s) Annie Gedge

Hazard Who might be harmed & How

Existing Controls Further Action Required

Justification

Slips, trips and fallsGeneral Public,

staff, contractors

No trailing leads, or covered in buildingsGeneral awareness, removing trip and slip hazards, including entrances to buildingsGeneral housekeeping and maintenance

Paths and hard surfaces in formal parks and open spaces

Public, staff, contractors

Formal inspection twice a year for high amenity and once a year for general amenity areas as part of grounds maintenance contract monitoring and ad-hoc informal inspection (records kept)Repairs implemented as necessary

Paths, hard surfaces, boardwalks etc in woodland and countryside sites

Public, staff, contractors

Monthly recorded inspections undertaken by rangersRepairs implemented as necessary

Findings to be discussed at weekly team meetings

To avoid oversights

Natural and unsurfaced paths, public rights of way

Public, staff, contractors

Monthly recorded inspections undertaken by rangersRepairs implemented as necessary

ad hoc shortcuts Public No formal inspection or maintenanceProblem areas blocked or allowed to grow over

Fallen trees and branches

StaffPublic

Trees adjacent to public areas inspected and maintained to a high standard – failures minimisedSpecialist tree surgeon contracted

Waterside – ponds, rivers etc

StaffPublic

Avoid unseen hazards (deep water near gathering points, uneven surfaces)Life ring at Holt Country ParkNo controls at Thwaite Common - inaccessible

Holt Country Park high level use

Steps Staff Regular inspection – monthly and annual (as

Hazard Who might be harmed & How

Existing Controls Further Action Required

Justification

Public above)Tower at Holt Country Park inspected by Renosteel quarterly – remedial works as appropriate

Ditches StaffPublic

Keep ditch free flowing and not overgrownLynfield Rd and Manor Road North Walsham – regular maintenance in residential area. Thwaite Common – minimal maintenance - inaccessible

Falls from heightObservation tower

staff Edge protectionHandrail to all steps up tower.Monthly inspection, repairs via Property services and contractorPeriodic structural inspection by Property Services

Replacement as this feature is reaching the end of its life.(capital bid for replacement submitted Sept 2013)

Regular informal inspections

High level work staff No climbing permittedSafe use of ladders instructionLadder and steps inspected before each use. Only used for short duration work (20mins)

Ladders and stepladders

staff Staff instructed in safe use of ladders and stepladdersLadders inspected before and after useLadders set up in stable position.Ladders securely footed and/or tied in. Colleague to stand at bottom if added security required.Do not overreach.Maintain three points of contact for stability.Do not climb over 2m in strong wind

Falling objectsBuilding disrepair Staff

publicRegular inspectionMaintenance / repair contract via Property Services

Hazard Who might be harmed & How

Existing Controls Further Action Required

Justification

Signage

Flagpole Staffpublic

Annual inspection to ensure secure

Tree failure Staffpublic

Formal and informal tree surveyRegular inspection and routine managementProtect at risk areasSpecialist contractor surveys trees every 18 months – remedial action takenRemove dangerous treesRangers trained to identify dangerous situations. Survey on daily basis as part of general duties.

See NNDC Tree policy

Trees within falling distance of designated paths, private property, roads car parks. Gathering points inspected and maintained to a higher standard than where the likelihood of damage / injury is low

Environmental HazardsExtreme issuesFlooding Staff

publicAffected areas closed off to public with barriers and signs

High winds – woodlands

Staffpublic

Affected areas closed off to public with barriers and signs

Hot weather(Heat exhaustion, sunburn)

Opportunity to take breaks in shadeTake cold drinksStaff aware about risks of sun burn (sunscreen available)

Poisonous plants and wild animals

Public, dogs

Warning / educational notices about specific plants and animals in relevant areas e.g. adders , weever fish (advance info for organised events)Remove or control invasive and poisonous plants e.g. Giant Hogweed

Zoonoses Staff Warning / educational notices about specific

Hazard Who might be harmed & How

Existing Controls Further Action Required

Justification

LeptospirosisE. coli

and public

zoonoses.Hand washing facilities at events.Cleansing materials (hand gels) available during group activitiesGood hygiene practicesDog fouling bins and signsGeneral waste bins at meeting points

Machinery equipment and vehiclesAgricultural (tractors, chainsaws etc)Strimmer and brushcutter

Staff and public

Only trained and certificated persons to operate equipment.Refresher training every 2-3 years, to maintain competence.Equipment serviced and maintained by competent and trained operatives.PPE must be worn – generally footwear, gloves goggles and hearing protection.Usual transport hazard warning signs in areas of high activityWork site sectioned off with barriers and warning signs.Paths rerouted where practicableRefer to manual handling guidance to avoid upper limb and back injuries.

Fence off forestry workTemporary warning signs

Noise of agricultural activities obvious in immediate vicinity.Onus on workers for safe working practices

Chainsaws, brushcutters etc.

As above

Trained and certificated to minimum of CS30 NPTC & C&GRefresher training every 2-3 yearsNo climbing trees (ladders used only for short duration only with assistance.No lone workingPPE to include eye, hearing and leg protection with boots, gloves and hard hat. (see indg317)Large scale work contracted out with site cordoned off and paths diverted.

Brushcutter, strimmer

As above

If area cannot be cordoned off, awareness of proximity to members of public and stopping to allow them to pass – no lone workingEye and face protection must be worn (boots standard)

Mini tractor and mower

As above

Trained and competent operators for use of equipment and attachments.Remove keys when leaving equipment.Use only with extreme caution on steep slopes in accordance with training.Use approved ramps to load onto trailer.

Knapsack sprayer

As above

Trained to NPTC PA1 & PA6Gloves, eye protection and face mask must be wornStop spraying in windy conditions or near members of public or other persons.see also CoSHH assessment

NNDC H&S officer to undertake new CoSH assessment

To maintain adequate control

Hazard Who might be harmed & How

Existing Controls Further Action Required

Justification

imminentlyGenerators Staff Instruction provided in accordance with

manufacturers guidanceMaintained by competent engineerNot to be used in confined space – ventilation for exhaust fumesTwo persons required to lift portable generator (manual handling assessment)

Hand tools Staff Inspect tools before use – repair or replace defective equipment.Appropriate tool used for job in handTools kept clean and sharpCare to be taken of blades and cutting edgesInstruction provided to new operativesVolunteers under supervisionPPE to be worn where appropriate (eg gloves, eye protection)Segregate work area from public or be mindful of their presence.

User group conflictsWalkersDogsCyclistsHorsesNeighboursSkateboarders

PublicDogsWildlife

Designated areas (skateboard parks)Dogs on leads in certain areasCareful management and forethought to avoid overuse by one interest group at the expense of othersAvoid rapid changes that cause discontentColour coded map in Holt Country Park

Information notices in segregated areas.

Room for everyone with sensible management

Designated routes signposted.

Site furniture – disrepairGates and stilesSeating

All Maintenance programme for seats in formal areas

Monthly inspection of fixtures in countryside and woodlands

ElectrocutionElectric fences – Thwaite Common

All Fence set back to prevent accidental contactWarning signs every 10mOnly top wire electrified

Handling possible power surgeDetermine current and likely cause of injury.

Containment of livestock at Thwaite Common

Vehicular movementCar parks, access points

General public or any non- vehicular traffic

Car parks clearly signed and demarcatedSeparate designated walkways from vehicles – fixed barriers/fencing or informal obstructions

Regularly inspect signage for damage and effect repairs. (by Rangers every quarter – see records)

Vehicles and As Stationary vehicles have keys removed and

Hazard Who might be harmed & How

Existing Controls Further Action Required

Justification

trailer above brakes applied.Trailer wheels chocked if on uneven or sloping groundAppropriate license to be held by operative.Instruction in use of trailer.

Cuts, abrasions and needlestick injuriesGeneral activitiesLitter picking

Gloves to be worn when picking litter and sharps. Litter picking tool to be used as much as possible.Regular inspection and picking to reduce exposure.Reduce litter by public information and regular emptying of bins.Sharps box for safe containment of sharps.Appropriate storage and removal of refuse.Risk areas (e.g, Pill boxes) inspected regularly (or prevent access)

Hazardous substancesFuel storage, pesticides

CoSHH assessment.PPE provided and must be wornStorage secured, restricting access to authorised operatives (camouflaged)Store maintained in tidy condition.Minimal quantities kept in store, using only approved and properly labelled containers

NNDC H&S officer to undertake new CoSH assessment imminently

To maintain adequate control

Group ActivitiesTrips and fallsGetting lostChild protectionInjuries from vegetation / insects etc.ZoonosesWeatherInjuries from equipment

Participants

Qualified leaderAdequate supervision of childrenParents to be responsible for childrenAdvice and information provided prior to activity.CRB checks for those taking activities for children

FireForest / Heath firesFuel storage

Visitors Yellow fire hydrantsBins for rubbish, emptied regularly by contractor (either weekly or upon request)Inspect at risk areas for fire hazards - remove debris in high risk areasManage sites

Warning signsEducational / information for public.Draft fire plan

Wood burning stove

Staff and visitors

Operatives instructed in useNo access for public – surrounded by mesh cageFire not to be banked up or encouraged 1hour prior to closing)When closing building stove checked to ensure no risk of fire started through heat conduction or sparks.Combustibles not placed next to stove

Not used often.

Hazard Who might be harmed & How

Existing Controls Further Action Required

Justification

Fire detection and sprinklers(?) in building

Lone workingPersonal safety

Staff Staff do not work alone where possible and certainly not when using power equipmentOther staff know where others are working‘Skyguard’ personal safety system in use.

Welfare Staff PPE includes wet weather clothing, to keep warm and dry.Access to visitor Centre when weather prevents workAccess to cold or warm drinks.Sunblock available in summe

Appendix 2b EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk Assessment ActivitiesService CountrysideDate 20/01/17Activity Organised events, activities and Ranger led

visitsAssessor(s) Annie Gedge

Hazard Who might be harmed & how

Existing Controls Further Action Required

Justification

Slips, trips and fallsFootpaths (natural and man-made), fallen branches, steps, ditches etc

Visitors and Rangers

Pre activity site check, mark / sign routes and diversions.Participants advised of possible hazards in advance of and/or immediately prior to event, and advice on appropriate outdoor wear.Advise on appropriate behaviour.Enforced by Rangers, teachers and parents.(see department general risk assessment)

Maintain regular site inspections and actions (see general risk assessment)

Regular on-going management of sites (see general risk assessment)

Poisonous plants and wild animals

Visitors (cuts, bites, abrasions leadings to infections and ill health)

Participants advised of potential hazards in advance and/or immediately prior to event.Warning / educational information about specific plants and animals provided in advance and at time of activity.Advise appropriate behaviour

Identification, marking and control of poisonous plants(see general risk assessment)

Additional training for staff

On-going and regular assessment and management of sites

Hazard Who might be harmed & how

Existing Controls Further Action Required

Justification

and outdoor wearWildlife with potential to harm, handled only by trained expert or rangers.Children / asn to be supervised by their parent/supervisor at all times.Ranger/trained expert to give instructions on how to study, survey wildlife appropriately.First Aid kit carriedExhibitors / event holders requested to visit site prior to event to assess risks. NNDC staff to advise.

Assess staff level in advance

ZoonosesLeptospirosisE. coli

Staff and visitors

Warning / educational information about specific zoonoses given prior to event.Good hygiene practices stated to all, particularly at meals.Hand washing facilities or cleansing materials (hand gels) available at events.Cuts and grazes covered, particularly when working / studying near water.Dog fouling bins and signsGeneral waste bins at meeting points

Prevent sickness, including food poisoning

Equipment and tools

Staff and visitors

Instruction provided to participants on safe use and operationChildren /asn under supervision at all times.Inspect tools before use – repair or replace defective equipment.Appropriate tool or equipment used for job in handTools kept clean and sharpCare to be taken of blades and cutting edgesPPE provided and to be worn where appropriate (eg gloves, eye protection)Materials from approved stock

Maintain supervision of activity for damage and misuse.Remove and deactivate defective equipment.

Few tools used. Events run on basis of adequate child supervision

Environmental HazardsExtreme weather issues

All Weather conditions monitored in advance of event.Event / activity stopped by Rangers if weather likely to be or become hazardous (eg lightning, high winds heavy

Event cancelled or reduced in scale if weather too severe

Safety of children and other participants – site conditions may deteriorate.

Hazard Who might be harmed & how

Existing Controls Further Action Required

Justification

rain)Advice on appropriate clothing prior to eventParents / supervisors responsible for children/asnRemove damaged trees, debris etc prior to event.Treat ice or snow where necessary.

TransportMoving vehicles, car parks

Staff and visitors

Ensure parking arrangements free from external hazards. (Ranger to monitor and manage large events)Participants responsible for own parking (monitored)Footpaths keep pedestrians away from traffic as best possible.Monitor car park and act where dangers are likely to arise, through overcrowding or dangerous parking

See general risk assessment.

Missing Person(s)

Individual visitors

Children under adult supervisionGuidance / directions / maps given for activity if required. (Maps available from HCP and BW)Use only authorised paths wherever possible.All walks are way-marked and checked before use.Last person in group identified; each participant seen back.Rangers carry mobiles.

Prepare maps / guidance for events

Generally small areas covered. Children supervised and known paths used.

Child Protection

All resulting from abuse or false allegation

All children/asn supervised by parent / supervisor, who are advised of responsibilities in advanceAll relevant staff have CRB check – enhanced levelEvents properly staffed at all times.

General, miscellaneous

All Rangers have mobile phone at all timesWhere dogs permitted at events, participants requested to keep on lead.Advance notice where dogs restrictedWeekly sheet in office of staff locations. Staff to be aware of colleague general working

Changes to working schedule to be reported between managers and rangers

Relatively small managed sites used.

Hazard Who might be harmed & how

Existing Controls Further Action Required

Justification

locationsChildren /asn must be supervised by an adult at all times – advance notice to parents / supervisorsFirst Aid kit carried at all times – Ranger involved in activity to hold current first aid certificate