Safety information for 50 things activities

General advice for parents and carers

We want our little explorers to be confident in the wild, so it’s important that they learn about boundaries and how to keep safe too. We trust that you will make your own judgement about what is safe and suitable for the age and ability of your child. And we recommend that all of our ‘50 things’ activities are supervised by an adult.

Happy fingers, toes and noses

Nobody likes soggy socks. Before you set off, make sure you dress for the weather and have all the kit you need to make sure you can keep warm, clean, safe and dry. If the weather is predicted to be wet or windy, it’s best to avoid activities that involve climbing or exploring near trees, rocks or waves.

Tree explorers

You don’t have to travel far to discover a tree that you can clamber up, peer inside or hide behind. We encourage tree exploration at the places we look after, but some trees – like our ancient trees – don’t cope well with climbers. Please check if your child’s chosen tree is diseased, damaged, showing signs of fungal growth or special in any way before they play.

Seaside voyagers

Whether you’re going hunting for fossils, swimming in the sea or exploring caves, it’s always best to check tide times and currents, and steer clear of loose rocks and cliffs. Rocks can get pretty slippy on the beach, even when it’s sunny. So, take care if you’re rock-pooling and keep an eye out for sharp objects, especially if you’re skipping barefoot.

Thrill seekers

Before your child takes on one of our active challenges, help them to pick a spot that is safe and suitable for their ability level. We wouldn’t want them to roll down a hill into a nettle bush… or granny.

If you’re planning to take on one of our more challenging activities, like rock climbing, swimming in the sea or canoeing, you could sign up for an organised event to ensure the safest conditions for your child.

Nature tasters

Food tastes best when it’s freshly picked, but it’s best to avoid putting anything in your mouth when you’re outdoors unless you know it’s safe to eat. This is especially true of fungi, which can be poisonous when eaten.  

If you’re enjoying the sounds and sights of nature with a picnic, we’d suggest you avoid any areas where livestock has been and always wash hands thoroughly before eating.

For more ideas on how to complete all of our ‘50 things’ safely, please search for your chosen activity on our website, or take a look at our links to safety information and other organisations below.