Natural England - Safety whilst volunteering on National Nature Reserves

Safety whilst volunteering on National Nature Reserves

If your voluntary role involves visiting or carrying out management tasks on NNRs, you must ensure that you are aware of any natural or man-made hazards which may affect you.

Your team will provide a risk assessment for the site, and will be able to provide more specific information, but you should be aware of the following general precautions when you are volunteering on NNRs:

  • Operate a suitable lone working system

  • Wear appropriate protective clothing

  • Be prepared for changes in the weather

  • Use sun protection cream, a sun hat and insect repellent

  • Know where you are going; take a map and compass or stick to well-known routes or public footpaths

  • Ensure that your team and any other interested parties, such as landowners, know when you will be on site

  • Take a mobile telephone and ensure coverage by service provider

  • Do not try to cover too large an area in one day

  • Remember to take water to drink and something to eat if you are planning to stay out for more than a couple of hours

  • Avoid contact with livestock, unless this is an established part of your voluntary role

  • Be aware of areas where management works are being carried out, such as tree felling

  • Be aware of other people on site - shooting parties, people driving vehicles, visitors etc.

  • If you are carrying out management tasks, ensure that you know how to use any equipment or tools safely and that you follow any instructions given by the task leader

  • Follow any safety instructions or guidelines given to you by the Site Manager or anyone acting on their behalf

  • Ensure you are familiar with the procedures for fire protection and evacuation

  • Ensure you are familiar with the procedures for reporting accidents and near misses

  • Be aware of steps you can take to protect your personal safety

If you would like more information on safety on National Nature Reserves, please contact your support adviser.