Health & Safety Policy
Fire & Stars Woodland Camping, Nethercote Woodland, Leicestershire
Effective date: 12 August 2026 | Review date: August 2027
1. Policy statement
Fire & Stars Woodland Camping is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of guests, visitors, staff, contractors and anyone affected by our activities. We take proportionate, practical steps to identify hazards, assess risks and reduce them so far as is reasonably practicable.
This public policy summarises our approach. It is supported by site-specific risk assessments, inspection records, operating procedures, training and emergency arrangements.
2. Scope and responsibilities
Management will:
• Maintain suitable risk assessments and safe operating procedures.
• Inspect the woodland, facilities, access routes and equipment at appropriate intervals.
• Provide information, instruction, training and supervision appropriate to each role.
• Investigate incidents and act on hazards, near misses and lessons learned.
• Keep emergency access routes and essential safety equipment available.
Staff and contractors must:
• Work in accordance with site procedures and the controls agreed for their work.
• Use equipment only when trained, competent and authorised to do so.
• Report defects, hazards, incidents and near misses promptly.
Guests and visitors must:
• Follow the Camp Rules, Fire Safety guidance, signage and reasonable instructions from staff.
• Take reasonable care of themselves and others.
• Report hazards, damage, accidents or unsafe behaviour as soon as possible.
3. Woodland, trees and severe weather
A woodland is a natural environment. Uneven ground, roots, branches, falling deadwood, insects, wildlife, mud and low light are inherent features of the site. We inspect and manage trees and access routes, prioritising areas used by guests, while recognising that all natural risk cannot be removed.
• Known hazardous trees or areas may be isolated, treated or closed.
• Access may be restricted during high winds, storms, flooding, extreme heat, exceptional fire risk or forestry operations.
• Guests should use suitable footwear, carry a torch after dark and remain on appropriate routes.
• Guests must not enter signed exclusion zones or climb, cut, damage or attach equipment to trees unless specifically permitted.
4. Fire, cooking equipment and LPG
Fire controls respond to current woodland conditions through our Green, Amber and Red fire-risk system. The current status and detailed controls are published on our Fire Safety page.
• Campfires are permitted only in Fire & Stars firepits and only when the current fire status allows them.
• Only approved firewood may be burned. Guests must not collect wood or vegetation from the woodland.
• Gas camping stoves may be used during Green, Amber and Red status, outdoors on a stable heatproof surface, clear of tents and vegetation, continuously supervised by an adult, with water immediately available. They must be switched off after cooking and never used inside a tent.
• Disposable barbecues and other cooking equipment are subject to the current fire status and designated-area rules.
• Fireworks, sky lanterns and candles are not permitted.
• LPG cylinders, hoses, regulators and appliances used by the business are installed, checked and maintained by competent persons as appropriate.
5. Vehicles, parking and emergency access
Vehicle movement is limited to designated routes and areas. Drivers must travel slowly, watch for pedestrians and children, follow staff instructions and avoid obstructing gates, tracks or emergency access. Parking arrangements and unloading access may change with ground and weather conditions.
6. Water, toilets, hygiene and waste
Mains drinking water, the wash station, portable toilets, handwashing facilities and waste points are checked, cleaned and maintained on a planned basis. Faults or hygiene concerns should be reported to reception.
• Only the eco-friendly washing-up liquid provided should be used at the wash station.
• Food waste, fat and oil must not be poured into sinks.
• Waste must be placed in the designated bins and the woodland must be left free of litter.
7. Sauna, cold plunges and onsite activities
The woodland sauna, cold plunges and organised activities are managed through separate risk assessments, operating procedures and participant guidance. Equipment is inspected and activities are supervised or controlled according to their level of risk.
• Participants must follow safety briefings, age requirements and staff instructions.
• Anyone who is unwell, intoxicated or unable to participate safely may be refused access.
• Participants are responsible for considering their own health and seeking medical advice where appropriate before using heat, cold-water or strenuous activities.
8. Children, dogs and guests needing support
Children remain the responsibility of their accompanying adults at all times. Dogs must be declared, kept under control and cleaned up after. Guests who may need assistance in an emergency or a reasonable adjustment are encouraged to contact us before arrival so that practical arrangements can be discussed.
9. First aid, incidents and emergencies
First-aid supplies are available at reception and staff receive training appropriate to their duties. All accidents, significant near misses and safety concerns should be reported so they can be recorded, investigated and, where legally required, notified to the appropriate authority.
In an emergency, call 999 and alert Fire & Stars staff. Mobile signal can be unreliable in the woodland, so guests should seek reception or another person if they cannot make a call. The entrance is at what3words ///genius.twin.ticking and GPS 52.683929, -1.470807. Emergency vehicles must be given clear access.
10. Contractors, forestry and exclusion zones
Contractors are selected with regard to competence, insurance and the risks of their work. Forestry, tree surgery, construction and maintenance activities are planned and coordinated with suitable controls. Work areas may be closed to the public, and barriers and signs must be obeyed.
11. Training, inspection and monitoring
Health and safety arrangements are monitored through routine site checks, equipment and facility inspections, incident review, maintenance records and staff feedback. Training and procedures are refreshed when roles, equipment, activities, legislation or site conditions change.
12. Review
This policy will be reviewed at least annually and sooner following a significant incident, material operational change, new activity or relevant legal change.
Approved by Fire & Stars Woodland Camping
12 August 2026
Related information: Camp Rules | Fire Safety | Contact us