Paul Barton

Surely we are now just debating the purpose of amenity tree care? Trees don't need us per se (although managed pollards are some of our oldest and long-lived trees) but in areas where people and trees co-exist management is inevitable. I think our purpose as arbs is to promote and maintain a good sustainable relationship between folk and trees. Nice work by the way Tony - your skill in shaping crowns is top notch.

Mine is currently an hour. I don't mind the time so much but the fuel cost is pretty annoying.

I would avoid buying used lowering ropes if I were you. You never know if they have been heavily shocked or loaded in the past so may have weaknesses you can't immediately see. If they come with records of use and LOLER certs then you should be ok.

Wow, these are great! Prices look good too.

Cool, thanks guys. These look good. Are they pretty easy to set up and edit?

Oh right - I got that the first time. What I was after was a link to YOUR website to see how they look when they are done!

Nice photos John!

Thanks mate. Unfortunately that link doesn't seem to work for me?

Likewise David - except we have met before! Don't worry, I have a forgettable face - comes in handy now and then:biggrin: I agree with your earlier comment - I think us Arbs should have been more vocal in the group discussion. Ted made several comments about being surrounded by practising professionals, but we were all a bit quiet compared with the older tree enthusiasts! At times I was a bit confused with all the talk of AHA's and FTB's and many other acronyms used by the National Trust (or NT should I say!) and Natural England. Good to have some small-scale discussions with other folks though when the main topics got a bit dull. Particularly enjoyed talking to Luke from the Lake District - that guy is a real though provoker. Looking forward to the next similar event. Hopefully we'll manage to squeeze in a pint next time too:thumbup:

Few more piccies...

Was a good day out today. Great to hear Ted Green and David Lonsdale sharing their opinions and wisdom on old ash pollards. There was some interesting debate (about trees) - and some not so interesting debate (about budgets). After discussing where/how hard a particular Ash tree should be pruned, a local arb by the name of Tim Bendall went up and gave it a tickle while we sat around eating our sarnies and chatting. Look at his funny top-handle! He is sponsored by Husqvarna apparently. Nice to meet a few arbtalkers there today as well (Andy Clark, Monkeyd, Gibbon, Hamadryad and a few others). Even got a shot of Tony and Mr Lonsdale to go in a frame on your mantelpiece Tony:biggrin:

Got a link to yours? I can't find it on google.

Will keep my eyes peeled. Poor Keith, he must be gutted.

See you tomorrow then chaps. Looking forward to it!

Got you, thanks.

I don't understand. What are you suggesting the TO will do for free?

Aye - a brave move but a good one hopefully! Lots of issues for discussion, should be a busy part of the forum I reckon. I look forward to the discussions.

Ha ha!! That made me laugh!! Must of sucked at the time though- comiserations.

I recently downloaded iMapMyRun for logging my running routes - fantastic. It tracks your route by GPS and then gives you a summary of data (distance,elevations, average speed etc) at the end. It's free too!

Cool! Glad to have made the grade!

...except their website doesn't exist yet!

Can't see anything 'pikey' about that!?

Good idea though! I am sure it won't be long...

I can guess who the company is, but I don't know Dave.

Saw this on Countryside Jobs online - might be good for someone. Looks like a fun and varied job, but the money is pretty bad. 16/2/10 – 26/2/10 - SW Part-time Estate Worker £16,000 pro rata Ref No: GC002/RJ (22.5 hours per week by agreement) Interviews to be held 10th March 2010 We are looking for someone to join our team to assist in the implementation and delivery of the Woodland Management Plan As well as having relevant arboricultural qualifications and experience you will have experience of working with groups and practical conservation tasks. This role is fulfilling, challenging and demanding and requires a good level of physical fitness. A clean driving licence is essential as driving of our minibus and off road vehicle will be required. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced CRB check. Closing date for all applications: 26th February 2010 For an information pack please call 01934 833723 or email [email protected] , please quote relevant reference number for position. If you would like to talk to someone informally about the role please contact Rachel Jones. Company No: 4761879 Registered Charity No: 1099543