BatiArb

NTSG membership Professional bodies: Arboricultural Association British Standards Institution Centre for Decision Analysis and Risk Management, Middlesex University Institute of Chartered Foresters London Tree Officers Association Quantified Tree Risk Assessment Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Tree Council Visitor Safety in the Countryside Group Tree owners / managers: British Holiday & Home Parks Association Ltd Confederation of Forest Industries (UK) Ltd Country Land and Business Association English Heritage Essex County Council Forestry Commission National Farmers Union Organisations with heritage / conservation interests: Ancient Tree Forum Campaign to Protect Rural England English Heritage Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust National Trust Woodland Trust

These are precisely the reasons why it is important to get involved. The report is backed and produced by a significant group of organisations that provide unprecedented credibility to the document. This is not just another guidance document produced by a single organisation such as the AA. This is an industry lead forum of representatives that has commissioned academic research into a priority topic within arboriculture, which has a direct impact on the way we work. This report will have an impact.......! If you are interested in your future work - read the report and have your say. Andrew Working for over 20 years in arboriculture over half of these with chainsaw in hand. Still out there doing practical work, although more with an AIR-SPADE.

Sean, Yes, I agree, and do feel the same myself at times. I know that sometimes change requires a shock treatment to get the discussion going, and as such do not take issue with the verbal statements thrown into debates to get the discussion going. Ted is well practiced at this and I have watched him stir up a crowd on numerous occasions, just to step out of the ring and watch others fight it out. I am sure Nev's statement is in a very similar vein, because he is also someone who is not shy of throwing the cat amongst the pigions. And I have to say that it is something that I too have enjoyed on countless occasions. It is a great way to get debate off the ground and make people start thinking. However, controversial statements are one thing if used to get a debate going, but are completely different if embedded into professional/industry guidance documents. This is where I believe the NTSG report needs to be careful. It does not score high on the diplomacy side of things.

I agree, and yes the future of arboriculture is definitely underground...... We need to look closer and consider more the root of the issue. Tree surgery to the canopy can only ever treat the symptoms of problems that are a result of issues developing underground in the trees root system and its association with the growing environment in the soil.

Tony, This is the implication of the document as well. There are a number of controversial statements that both illude to and openly state that arboriculture is recommending, specifying and undertaking an excessive amount of tree work, that is disproportionate to the risks posed by trees. Now to a point I do agree with this, but I also think that this document (much like Nev's statement) does push the point too far in the other direction.

Tony, although I agree with all the sentiment of your posting, like others I think you are missing the implications here.

To be quite frank the opposite is likely to be the case if the full implications of this guidance document are implemented. The whole thing really points towards a current situation that encourages far more tree work than is warranted or can be statistically justified. The impetus of the document is in fact to reduce tree pruning to a minimum and avoid unnecessary work. We are on the dawn of a significant evolutionary transition in arboriculture where the future is about tree ecological/environmental care and not simply tree surgery (lopping and chopping). Yes I know we all love it but the fact is it is not doing the trees and our environment any good at all. By far the majority of it is unjustifiable. We need to be looking at tree management techniques that consider the big picture. This guidance is about broadening the scope of arboriculture. It is about being realistic when it comes to assessing the value of trees. However, we need to look at this seriously because it does have major implications for how we recommend tree work and undertake tree management.

Yes, it is one of those documents that get printed off with the intention of going though it, put to one side and forgotten about. We cannot afford to let this one slip by. It has significant ramifications that must not be overlooked...... Happy bed time reading.

Discussion Document in Response to the Draft Guidance Document and Position Statement Issued by the National Tree Safety Group. BRINGING COMMON SENSE TO TREE MANAGEMENT Follow the links below for the relevant documents, which are available for download. There is now limited time to respond with a closing date of 21st June 2010. You are encouraged to read the documents before commenting on the points raised below. Copy these links into your browser..... http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/POSITIONSTATEMENT.pdf/$FILE/POSITIONSTATEMENT.pdf http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/NTSGDraftGuidanceDoc.pdf/$FILE/NTSGDraftGuidanceDoc.pdf The Draft Guidance Document and Position Statement issued by the National Tree Safety Group (NTGS) have highlighted a number of important points that should be considered by the industry as a whole. Your response could have a major impact on future work. There are points covered within the report that may have a significant impact on the legal requirements of land owners to have trees inspected, but more importantly they are highly likely to have a significant influence on methodologies for inspection and working practices of those in the industry. Below are a number of points raised by the documents that have sufficient potential impact that they should be discussed openly and without prejudice. 1. The Research by the Centre for Decision Analysis and Risk Management (DARM) on behalf of NTSG has highlighted that the actual risk of death from a falling tree is around 1 in 10,000,000. This of course does not take into account other forms of damage and disruption caused by tree failures, but given the significantly low risk it is stated that the works carried out to trees to reduce risk in the UK is disproportionate to the risk posed. Q: The question here is …should the Draft Document make statements as to how risk can be reduced rather than broadly using the term “essential works”? The Draft Document implies this by stating........ “The term ‘defect’ can be misleading, as the significance of structural deformities in trees (variations from a perceived norm) can be extremely variable. Indeed, deformities can be a response to internal hollowing or decay, compensating for loss of wood strength and providing mechanical advantage, allowing the tree to adapt to wind and gravitational forces. With inadequate understanding, so-called defects may be erroneously confused with hazards and, furthermore, hazards with risk – so unless the risk of harm arising from a hazard is properly taken account of, management can be seriously misinformed, potentially leading to costly tree intervention (pruning).” Q: Does the term essential works require further definition? Does this: a. Suggest that the current methodologies for assessing trees and proposing work for risk reduction are flawed? b. Indicate a miss-application of available methodologies and technologies? c. Highlight a disparity between what is practiced and what is necessary stimulated and created by a perception of a disproportionate legal responsibility? 2. The NTGS Draft Document States “Although it may be important for human safety, it would be a fallacy to believe that any intervention is necessarily carried out for the benefit of the tree. Trees have their own inbuilt mechanisms for dealing with damage and decline. If trees were left to their own devices and allowed to go through their natural life cycle free from human intervention, tree failure of any nature would be irrelevant, being part of complex natural processes, integral to the way trees have evolved.” Q: Does work carried out to trees in the UK adhere to this philosophy or professional ethic? Q; And at what point in risk can trees be left to their own devices? 3. The NTGS Draft Document States “Trees may offer important health benefits; yet removing trees seldom takes account of the risks to human health and well-being.” For example “Doubling the tree canopy cover in the West Midlands alone could prevent around 140 premature deaths per year” Q; Should equal status be given to the health, environmental and other benefits of trees against the risk of failure? Q: And should all assessments consider the environment and other issues with the same diligence/effort required of for the completion of risk assessments? 4. The Draft Document advocates a system of inspection and works to reduce risk, pointing out the need for “essential works” but does not put forward a system to balance this risk with the benefits from trees. Q: Does this potentially contradict points 1-3 raised above and what is considered essential works? The Position Statement reiterates the need for a balanced approach. Q: Should the document advocate a process of continued review and updating of systems putting more emphasis on the needs and benefits of the tree? Q: Further to this point should a duty of care for a tree include management practices that reduce the risk, both now and in the long term and not just the immediate obvious risk? This could include the habitat management of the tree.

It is highly likely that they do. Some of the UK's rarest bat species are the ones dependant on woodland. We also know the least about these species as well, because they are so difficult to survey. The interesting thing about bats is that we do know so little about them and there is so much that can be discovered. As arborists we are actually in a prime position to discover something new. For bat ecologists one of the most challenging things is to find bats roosting in trees.

Tony, If you have not already read it the attached article will provide a good starting point. Good Luck....... Andrew BattingResponsibly.pdf LookOutBats.pdf

Discussion is taking place on the Woodland and Forestry forum where I posted the same subject under New Bat Species in Town.

What are the chances????? Personally I think it has been here for a while at it is more than likely to be well established. Mariya and I were discussing this over breakfast this morning and she suggested it would be more feasible to hypothesis the other way around. i.e what do you think the chances are of the bat migrating from Greece to UK, do you not think it would be more likely that it would go from the UK to Greece. Which would you prefer....../

Well there is a hell of a lot to absorb there so be prepared. And be prepared to get addicted. There is nothing link a subject where you have the opportunity to learn something new to science. This is a classic case in point where it is possible to discover new species in the UK. Quite incredible if you think about it. Again I wonder how long this species has been here and it has just been overlooked. Are the any more I wonder..... Andrew

Am afraid no, that kind of detail is not available yet.

Interesting points both of these. Considering the size of the bat and habitat, etc. My suspicion is that it has been here for a while and it is only through our increase use of technological survey equipment and increased survey effort that it has come to light. Andrew

Tiny bat found in Britain for first time Alcathoe's bat, first identified in Greece in 2001 and thought too weak to cross Channel, found in Yorkshire and Sussex Martin Wainwright, Latest news, comment and reviews from the Guardian | guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 20 April 2010 15.39 BST A bat the size of a thumbprint has been found for the first time in Britain, after crossing the Channel in defiance of experts' predictions. Alcathoe's bat is the smallest of Europe's whiskered bats and the most recently discovered. It was identified as a separate species in Greece only in 2001, after tests on the frequency of its radar call, which is used by all bats to navigate and catch prey. Named after a Greek princess who was changed into a bat after refusing to worship the god Dionysus, or Bacchus, the tiny mammal has been found in caves in North Yorkshire and Sussex. The sites are already celebrated in bat lore and were rigorously checked by ecologists from Leeds and Sheffield universities as part of a bat survey covering Europe. The Yorkshire cave is hidden in woodland in Ryedale and was home to Britain's last-known colonies of rare barbastelle and lesser horseshoe bats in the 1960s. The Sussex site, also in woodland on the South Downs, is an area known to house a number of other rare bat species. Both colonies will automatically receive the stringent protection enjoyed by other British bats. Prof John Altringham of Leeds University said that the bats almost certainly existed elsewhere in the United Kingdom, but had been overlooked because of their close resemblance to other whiskered species. "Identification based on appearance alone can be difficult even for the expert," he said. "In the end, only some subtle physical differences and Alcathoe's distinctive echo-location call, which terminates at a significantly higher frequency than those of its relatives (43-46khz) makes identification possible without genetic analysis." Alcathoe was previously thought to be too small and weak to have crossed the Channel, but the survey suggests that the British population may be quite large. The bats were trapped as they flew into underground swarming sites where thousands of bats from many species mate before hibernating for winter. Brian Walker, wildlife officer for the Forestry Commission in the North York Moors national park, said: "We have some incredibly rich bat habitats here. It was only a few years ago that work locally helped to confirm that the common pipistrelle bat was actually made up of two different species." The discovery of Alcathoe's bat takes the number of British species to 17, making bats the most diverse of the country's wild mammals. Tiny bat found in Britain for first time | Environment | guardian.co.uk

Tiny bat found in Britain for first time Alcathoe's bat, first identified in Greece in 2001 and thought too weak to cross Channel, found in Yorkshire and Sussex Martin Wainwright, Latest news, comment and reviews from the Guardian | guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 20 April 2010 15.39 BST A bat the size of a thumbprint has been found for the first time in Britain, after crossing the Channel in defiance of experts' predictions. Alcathoe's bat is the smallest of Europe's whiskered bats and the most recently discovered. It was identified as a separate species in Greece only in 2001, after tests on the frequency of its radar call, which is used by all bats to navigate and catch prey. Named after a Greek princess who was changed into a bat after refusing to worship the god Dionysus, or Bacchus, the tiny mammal has been found in caves in North Yorkshire and Sussex. The sites are already celebrated in bat lore and were rigorously checked by ecologists from Leeds and Sheffield universities as part of a bat survey covering Europe. The Yorkshire cave is hidden in woodland in Ryedale and was home to Britain's last-known colonies of rare barbastelle and lesser horseshoe bats in the 1960s. The Sussex site, also in woodland on the South Downs, is an area known to house a number of other rare bat species. Both colonies will automatically receive the stringent protection enjoyed by other British bats. Prof John Altringham of Leeds University said that the bats almost certainly existed elsewhere in the United Kingdom, but had been overlooked because of their close resemblance to other whiskered species. "Identification based on appearance alone can be difficult even for the expert," he said. "In the end, only some subtle physical differences and Alcathoe's distinctive echo-location call, which terminates at a significantly higher frequency than those of its relatives (43-46khz) makes identification possible without genetic analysis." Alcathoe was previously thought to be too small and weak to have crossed the Channel, but the survey suggests that the British population may be quite large. The bats were trapped as they flew into underground swarming sites where thousands of bats from many species mate before hibernating for winter. Brian Walker, wildlife officer for the Forestry Commission in the North York Moors national park, said: "We have some incredibly rich bat habitats here. It was only a few years ago that work locally helped to confirm that the common pipistrelle bat was actually made up of two different species." The discovery of Alcathoe's bat takes the number of British species to 17, making bats the most diverse of the country's wild mammals. Tiny bat found in Britain for first time | Environment | guardian.co.uk

Any means of assessing the condition of a tree is only as good as the knowledge, experience and qualifications of the arborists providing the professional opinion. We now have a broad spread of different assessment tools at our disposal and hierarchy of methodologies that starts with a prod and a poke at the tree. This can only ever be a starting point when practicing tree care...... However, if you are looking for an excuse to take the tree down, then i am sure it can be quite convincing to the uninformed client. Thankfully we are now in an era where TPO applications to remove trees require more than just an opinion of the tree to agree felling. Evidence is required to demonstrate the tree condition is such that tree removal is the only option.

Just to clarify something here. I have not been involved in any of the background research for thermal imaging. I am a user of the technology personally and professionally for both research and commercial enterprise (these days it is almost impossible to undertake one without the other, simply on a matter of cost). I am lucky enough to have my own camera so I have the opportunity to play around with things and to explore the environment around me with a new sensory stimulation. I first became interested in thermal imaging nearly 10 years ago and was inspired by its introduction to UK arboriculture by Giorgio Gatena, I have been following its progression every since and started using it myself 5 years ago. Now a substantial amount of my work involves its application in some shape or form. It was natural for me to become one of the first licensed users of the TTMS (Tree Thermal Matrix Software) just over 2 years ago now, and I have assisted with its commercial development. The scientific research behind thermal imaging’s commercial application for tree assessment is all down to Giorgio and Marcus, who subsequently rely on numerous other scientists who have been researching the use of thermal imaging for decades. However, it does not require a science degree to be a user of the technology, all it needs is an understanding of how it works, and a healthy respect for its limitations. Thermal imaging technology and any software calibration tool used to process the images are all just technical devices to improve our understanding of how trees work and react to their ecological growing environment. This provides us with a better insight into their physiological and morphological condition and improves our management recommendations. For me it all about expanding our knowledge of trees, increasing the quality of advice we offer and the fulfillment of knowing we can truly say we care for trees…….. I am not hear trying to sell you a product or service. For me this is about sharing new ideas and encouraging others to explore things for themselves. '

It was not so long ago that I discussed the technology with Mike Elison at an Ancient Tree Forum visit to Tatton Park. I have attached the event review which appeared in essentialARB. He personally expressed an enthusiasm for the application of thermal imaging and the insight it offers us. . AncientTreeForum.pdf

Andy, I do not believe I have quoted anything to the contrary. I am fully aware of how VTA can be used and its value as a tree assessment tool. I attended the first UK VTA Master Class that Claus Mattheck presented. This four day intensive VTA training ensures a thorough understanding of tree mechanics and the reactive processes that can be observed in trees. I suggest you at least have the decency to spell his name right.......

This kind of observation is what makes thermal imaging really stand out because it offers us the opportunity to make informed decisions that save clients time and money. This is where the value comes in and provides the salable product. Using thermal imaging proactively it is possible to plan tree work budgets far more effectively, efficiently and economically. More information about the quality of the tree stock being managed means real tree care and responsible management decisions. This technological advance presence us with the ability to move from being no more than tree chopping butchers, taking out the weak to be slaughtered, to an age of true and effective tree care. The AA’s logo is a classic example of where we could be….. Caring for Trees….. How much of our time as arborists is actually spent in positive tree care, that we can say honestly prolongs the life of trees……

Marcus, J have to agree with you, much though I hate the idea of all these statistics floating around the place. I believe that we as a profession need to have a far greater respect for the reactive time spans we are dealing with. Trees grow and react to their environment over years, decades and centuries, not days, months and years, like us. Trees simply operate on a completely different time line to us. They are also reactive generative organisms as apposed to regenerative organisms such as ourselves. However, humans have historically found it easier to use the same assessment criteria. Without due consideration to what is ‘normal’ for the species and populations we are considering.

I agree that selling a service is important and finding a place for thermal imaging has been one of the commercial challenges. The fact is that it offers us so much more than other tree assessment tools. It cannot be offered comparably to any other methodology because it looks at different aspects of the trees functional growth form. For a start it presents us with the first proactive means of looking at trees. I have never liked the idea of looking at decay without understanding the functional capacity of the tree and the volume of reactive wood that compensates for the presence of decay. After all, every mature tree will have a volume of decay progressively increasing depending on its physiological health. This technology offers us a completely new insight into tree function and relationship within their growing environment. It provides us with information that no other tool can come close to because we are looking at the positive attributes of the tree and not just measuring the volume of decay. Thermal imaging offers us massive opportunities to learn more about trees and make more informed judgments about their management, because we have a better understanding of their current condition and can compare this to other trees in the same population.