Safety in the forest

We strive to ensure the nation's forests are accessible and safe for both our employees and visitors

We welcome more than 230 million visits each year to our forests and woodlands. Our woodlands are open and accessible, providing opportunities to enjoy our rural landscapes and natural environments.

We build and maintain recreational facilities – walking and cycling trails, play structures and more – to the highest health and safety guidelines. We regularly inspect our woodlands to ensure our trails and facilities remain safe in line with the standards set out by the Visitor Safety Group.

Sometimes we have to close off sections of our woodlands due to exceptional weather, forest management work, harvesting timber or large recreation events. We will keep you informed as much as possible using signage or diverting paths where possible to ensure our forests remain open yet safe.

Enjoy the outdoors and be tick aware

When visiting the countryside, including the nation’s forests, remember to be tick aware because they can cause diseases such as Lyme disease.

To minimise the risk:

  • walk on clearly defined paths to avoid brushing against vegetation.
  • wear light-coloured clothes so ticks can be spotted and brushed off.
  • use insect repellents.
  • check yourselves for ticks as you walk and when you get home.

 Public Health England have more information on tick awareness.

Forest Code

  • protect and respect wildlife, plants and trees.
  • guard against all risks of fire.
  • keep dogs under control.
  • take your litter home.
  • make no unnecessary noise.
  • take only memories away.
  • the forest is for everyone. Please be aware of other visitors.