Paul Barton

Especially the part about guaranteeing to beat any other quote...

All working nicely on my HTC now. Excellent work Steve and Dave.

Are you taking the piss or can you do that as well?! I thought it looked like he had some superior skills there but I've never driven a machine like that.

What's "assing" value?! Is there something we need to know about this course Luke?

I used to have nightmares about that without it having happened to me!

Unfortunately the main way to assess how much you know is to compare your thoughts and ideas with others in a similar role. If your knowledge is already pretty good, go and get the PTI and apply for some surveying jobs. Your employer should soon give you some feedback!

Good idea

How would you know if the customer HAD received the order in the post but didn't want to admit it because they want the tree felled?!

Nice vid Tom. That's some funky saw work at 6:54!

In my opinion it's a major flaw in the way TPOs are administered. I feel it would be much better to pro-actively serve TPOs on high value trees instead of always reacting to perceived threats. After all, listed buildings are protected on their merits rather than when they are threatened with demolition.

You can object to the TPO if you feel it's not warranted. I can see why you're frustrated though.

Get with the program Fungus. We're all having a beer and putting the playground competitions behind us.

Cheers!

Hey, I'm looking at some new chainsaw boots - what are the best pair around at the moment?

Steve has told me the android app is not functioning correctly yet. I think it has been pulled temporarily for a re-release in the next few days.

Hi Lake, Don't doubt yourself - you can do anything if you put your mind to it. In my experience people that have spent time in trees pick up the fundamentals of tree surveying more quickly as they have a natural affinity for the trees structure. However, there is no reason that good surveying skills can't be learnt with only a little practical experience. The key is looking at lots and lots of trees and having a go at interpreting what you see. Most often you'll see nothing to concern you (if you're approaching the survey from a risk management point of view) and that's ok. Most trees aren't about the fail! The PTI assessment may be good for you soon but be aware it doesn't contain alot of 'training' - it's supposed to be a recap of the fundamentals and then an assessment of your competence. If you can get some work experience with a consultant that would be ideal experience but I know it's hard when you need to be earning. Best of luck - you can do it.

As someone employed by an AAAC I can say that I rarely find tree officer's giving me an easy ride or any favours. With regards to the original post....the local authority are way out of line to insist on a particular contractor.

Not yet. Whereabouts are you based?

I doubt you'll find many exciting shrooms on old tiles but whatever floats your boat mate. I thought things were just revving up for you with the consulting side.

Good question!

Don't be such a drama queen Tony! What are you saying you'll give up exactly?

I think I backed that horse last year...not again! I heard about the horse 'according to pete' on the radio this week. Apparently he's owned by an old boy from yorkshire who still does a paper round. I'll back that one!

True, but there are already powers within the planning process that allow for that. I'm not sure that just because a BS says so, local authorities would suddenly take note and spend more on enforcement staff. Surely it's more a case of resources and TO's that are on the ball (or not). I do agree that this area is the primary problem of the process though. I went to a site yesterday where the LA planners had really put me through my paces in terms of detailed method statements. I was saddened to see that the client (who had done his best impression of someone that liked trees) had not put up any tree protection at all. There is a particularly fine tree on site which I awarded an 'A' category to which is rare...with rubble, skips and vehicles all around the stem. I decided I am going to write to the LA and plead with them to start conditioning site supervision (not breaking any client confidentiality of course).

Good word! clump - Wiktionary More than a couple but less than alot? Is a clump bigger or smaller than a cluster?

I forgot to say: the download from the BSI site isn't working properly yet so it may be best to wait a few days til they fix the link. Otherwise you can go ahead and pay now and they will email you a copy until the website is working properly.