Stour Woods

Risk Assessment

The walk may be busier than when the recce was carried out and the weather may be different, so please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. If we are lucky for it to be dry and warm, please carry water to drink. If it has recently rained there may be muddy and slippery sections of the footpaths whilst if the weather has been dry, there could be cracks in the surface soil so please be careful and watch your step. There is always the risk of animal excrement on the paths so please be careful where you are placing your feet. Sometimes the paths may have fox or badger holes in the surface which makes it risky so please be aware of this and once again watch your step. There can also be tree roots or brambles growing across the path which are not uncommon and are a particular trip hazard. Please do not forget that your mobile phone may not have a signal whilst we are out walking so you may not be in contact with anyone other than the group.

When entering fields please be aware of encountering livestock, keep calm and give them a wide berth. Please shut any gates we go through behind you. The route of the walk will probably include using or crossing roads so please be traffic aware, please walk along road sections in single file, avoid any unnecessary risks when crossing and take your time. On the odd walk we may need to cross a level crossing. Please act by the code and stop, look and listen before crossing. Take care and do not try to hurry in case you trip.

Please be aware of the risk of being stung by nettles and maybe getting ticks (which can cause Lyme Disease) and remove them correctly if found. You can find out about this on the NHS website or maybe if you have no computer the library may be able to help or even your Doctors surgery.

All we can now do is wish you an enjoyable walk and please remember we lead for you and to share some lovely countryside with like minded people.