If your voluntary role involves visiting or carrying out management tasks on NNRs, you must ensure that you are aware of any natural or man-made hazards which may affect you. Your Area Team will provide a risk assessment for the site, and will be able to provide more specific information, but you should be aware of the following general precautions when you are volunteering on NNRs:

		Operate a suitable lone working system
		Wear appropriate protective clothing
		Be prepared for changes in the weather
		Use sun protection cream, a sun hat and insect repellent
		Know where you are going; take a map and compass or stick to well-known routes or public footpaths
		Ensure that your Area Team and any other interested parties, such as landowners, know when you will be on site
		Take a mobile telephone and ensure coverage by service provider
		Do not try to cover too large an area in one day
		Remember to take water to drink and something to eat if you are planning to stay out for more than a couple of hours
		Avoid contact with livestock, unless this is an established part of your voluntary role
		Be aware of areas where management works are being carried out, such as tree felling
		Be aware of other people on site - shooting parties, people driving vehicles, visitors etc.
		If you are carrying out management tasks, ensure that you know how to use any equipment or tools safely and that you follow any instructions given by the task leader
		Follow any safety instructions or guidelines given to you by the Site Manager or anyone acting on their behalf
		Ensure you are familiar with the procedures for fire protection and evacuation
		Ensure you are familiar with the procedures for reporting accidents and near misses
		Be aware of steps you can take to protect your personal safety

If you would like more information on safety on National Nature Reserves, please contact your Area Team