What should you do if you find a dead branch that might fall?

After greeting the forest and entering, you discover a dead branch above a walking path or playground equipment...

In such a case, what is the best thing to do?

There are two things you can do. The ideal is to remove it immediately. But there are few cases where that is possible. What should you do in those situations?

If it is in a wide area, you can use something like a rope to mark it off conspicuously, keeping people away from the dangerous tree. Furthermore, it is even better if there is a sign explaining why you don't want people to approach it.

In the case of a walking path, it is a bit tricky. If you cannot take a detour, it is safer to avoid passing through.

However, if you absolutely must pass through: Avoid doing so on windy days, or after heavy rain or snowfall. Wear a helmet and pass through the area quickly. However, if you do pass through, do so with the understanding that it might fall and cause injury.

To begin with, dead branches are a natural phenomenon. Therefore, at a forest kindergarten, I want to use them as valuable teaching materials.

Something like this happened last year.

When I visited the field of the 'Forest Kindergarten Natural Parenting Children's Garden,' there were several dead branches. In such cases, it is the lumberjack's turn. However, it is not possible to do it immediately.

So, at that time, I told the mother in charge: I wanted her to let the children experience the work of removing the dead branches, while being careful to ensure it was safe.

I think it is a pity when adults are overly cautious and remove poisonous plants and dead branches beforehand. Because a precious learning opportunity is lost.

Forests, oceans, and rivers have many fun things, but at the same time, they have many dangers. Therefore, I want children to be able to notice these things for themselves and learn to enjoy themselves while protecting their own safety. I hope I can help children become people who can do that.

So, after that, I had the lumberjack bring down the dead branches. The children watched the work with interest from a safe place, wearing helmets.

Seeing photos of the children looking like they were having fun, I felt that this was a much more enjoyable and memorable experience than having the branches removed and the area made safe without them knowing.

The effect was not just that.

Since then, the mother in charge told me that the children have become able to quickly spot dead branches themselves.

Children are more sharp-eyed than adults, aren't they? (laughs) So, I feel it is best for both adults and children to be considerate of others (both people and trees) and aim to protect and be protected by each other.

It's not just the elderly who appreciate a warm monitoring service, is it?