There has been some very interesting and incisive comments made since my original post. Those that have kept an eye on the thread will be aware that I have posted several comments on the Hort week page, so i'll save you all the repetitiveness of posting them here too.
For me, it is simple........ firstly, Nick Edens "You don't wanna do it like thaaaaaat, you wanna do it like this" (said in a rather Harry Enfield-esque voice) comments regarding the planting technique are factually wrong!
Secondly, although the Beeb may not have consulted the Arb Assoc for guidance on planting, it certainly did consult numerous other substantially larger and more prominent (especially in the realms of tree planting) organisations.
For example, NE goes on about the AA and it's 2,000 members....... well The Tree Council, the countries largest tree planting focussed charity organisation, quotes figures of some 8,000 volunteer Tree Wardens (yes, I am one). Add to that other organisations on the consultation list such as the Forestry Commission, Trees for Cities, and the The Woodland Trust, and I think it's fairly safe to say that the Beeb did their homework.
Thirdly, there is purely and simply a "Right" and "Wrong" way of doing things....... "Criticising", is the WRONG way of educating people. All criticising is going to do, is discourage the beeb from wanting to cover the subject again.
Finally, I think it is high time that the Arb Assoc realises that although yes it may well be the largest solely Arb focussed trade organisation in the Uk industry, it certainly doesn't represent or hold the majority voice of the industry itself.
I mean, just look at the "shock and awe" they have quoted in relation to the recent AAAC consultation...... some 300 comments at the half way stage, despite the fact they only hold 40-50 something (if memory serves me well) contractors on their scheme!
And by making such inaccurate and unfounded "criticisms" of organisations such as the Beeb, all the AA is doing is YET AGAIN making it harder for the rest of us, in the face of an already struggling marketplace.