Safety tips

Choosing the sample site – Please consider practical and safety issues when choosing a location. Do not sample anywhere where you may place yourself or others in potential danger due to local hazards (river banks, steep slopes, adjacent transport routes or systems, chemical or waste disposal outlets, etc). Consider the time it will take to reach your site and if this is feasible in the time available.

Preliminary briefing – Arrange a preliminary briefing, if you can, before the date of your surveys, so that participants understand the main purpose of each activity, the scope of practical activities and the features to look for in identifying trees and their phenophases.

Your survey site – Review your risk assessment to remind yourself of practical and safety issues concerning your chosen location (see Health and safety, preceding section). Take a first-aid kit into the site, along with a mobile phone. A map is also useful, especially if the site you are using is remote. Allow time to reach your site which should include suitable trees. We recommend informing others of your chosen sampling location, time on site, and expected time of return.

Arriving on site – Find a central area, preferably dry, to use as a base where bags and items not needed immediately can be kept safely and to where participants can return, if they need anything or require assistance. Participants should ensure they have all the equipment they need and take it to their chosen sample site.

Safety Briefing – Participants should be given a safety talk before the activities, to run through the main health and safety aspects and behaviour expectations.

Minimum working in pairs – We recommend that, wherever possible, participants work in at least a pair. This has obvious health and safety benefits and also allows participants to swap over between the two activities, so that each experiences both the practical and data recording aspects of the work.