Practising Forest School and bushcraft in parks guidance

This page details guidelines for practising Forest School and wider bushcraft activities within Salford City Council parks, nature reserves and open spaces.

Forest School is a commonly used term for activities that require frequent access to outdoor natural spaces to provide flexible learning approaches. These can include managed risk, imaginative play and self-guided activities.

Bushcraft is the promotion of traditional survival skills and knowledge of the natural environment.

Sites suitable for Forest School and bushcraft activities

Not all parks, woodlands, nature reserves and open spaces are suitable for Forest School and bushcraft activities due to the possible impact on the environment and park visitors, or site remoteness or safety.

Training

For permission to be granted for Forest School or bushcraft activity within a council park or open space the lead participant is required to have obtained the following qualifications or equivalent of this training:

Essential training:

• A minimum of an accredited Level 3 Forest School qualification
• And/or wilderness therapy course
• And/or evidence of experience
• Institute of Outdoor Learning Outdoor First Aid Band 3 (to include paediatric where appropriate)
• ITC Level 2 Food hygiene (where appropriate)

Activity restrictions

Due to the public nature and ongoing management of council parks and open spaces the table below gives a rough outline of activities permitted and not permitted on all council land.

All activity must follow ‘Leave no Trace’ guidelines, no structures are permitted to be left standing beyond the session and all equipment must be accounted for at the end of each session. Litter must be removed from site.

Biodiversity is a priority. Pulling up of whole plants is not permitted. The collection of seeds and leaves is permitted in moderation (maximum 10% collection from one location). Further care should be taken during nesting season, between March and August, so as not to disturb nesting birds. Removal of frog spawn from ponds is not permitted. Foraging for flora or hunting fauna (including fishing) is not permitted.

Activities must be conducted away from public view and agreed in advance with Salford City Council. First time users must undertake an orientation of the site with a Salford City Council Officer.

Site sensitivity will differ accordingly to the location and time of year. Should a site become waterlogged, trampled, degraded or damaged in a short period of time, activity will have to move to another area within the same site or an alternative site will be found. Salford City Council reserves the right to cancel activities if they are found to be damaging or unsafe.

Fires

Fires are not permitted in council parks and open spaces. Use of fire for individuals will not be granted. Use of fire for Forest School, or group activity will be assessed upon application.

Only if official permission is granted in writing can the applicant light fires. Any intended use of fire must be outlined within the application process.

Where permission for using fire is granted, the fire must be fully contained and supervised within a fire pit or bowl. Wood for burning must be brought in or some gathered deadwood from the site. Wood must be untreated.

Risk assessments

A detailed risk assessment including all activities must be submitted to Salford City Council upon application for site use.

The activity leader is responsible for dynamically risk assessing the site before each session, including the tree canopy, wind direction and speed.

Additional requirements

• First aid kits must be available at each session (including burns kits if fire lighting is permitted).
• DBS documentation and a safeguarding protocol will be requested where children, young or vulnerable people are involved.
• A valid certificate for Public Liability Insurance will be required at point of application.
• A method statement outlining the proposed activities and roles, responsibilities and ratios of leaders and participants will be required at point of application.

Application process

Each request is assessed on a case-by-case basis. A fee maybe charged for commercial activity of this type.

Please email eventapplications@salford.gov.uk for any queries or to apply to use a Salford City Council, park, woodland, nature reserve or greenspace for Forest School or bushcraft activities.

Within your application email please include:

• Your name
• Organisation name (if applicable)
• Contact number (if a landline please include area code)
• Preferred location
• Proposed dates and times
• Method statement including leader to participant ratios and use of fire (if applicable)
• Outline applicable training and/or experience of the activity leader
• Attach your public liability insurance certificate
• Attach your session leader’s DBS certificate and safeguarding policy
• Attach your activity risk assessment

If you require support with your application, please email eventapplications@salford.gov.uk