AA Teccie (Paul)

Ah, good stuff...n always better "up north" You're welcomed.. Paul

Hi there, Bit of a 'drag' for you all the way up to Huddersfield / Holmfirth (from Sussex.) We're at Sparsholt College, Winchester, in April if better (see https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=35964019-0348-4309-B93F-DF5543D08F4E ) If however you deffo wanted to attend 'this' workshop and the online booking process has you flummoxed, give Polly a call at Head Office (01242 522152) saying I said to do so (otherwise she'll direct you back to the website to book online.) Hope ya get it sorted, let me know if not. Cheers fer now n thanks for yer interest.. Paul

Hi all, n Happy New Year...belatedly A 'heads-up' for this northern event at Tim Kirk's place in Holmfirth...hopefully minus the snow 2019 could be the year you decide to move to 'Arb Approval' or to find out more. Whichever, please do come and join me...and please do book at https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=057B8235-0443-4173-A00E-3940465D88A1 Hoping to see you / meet you there Cheers fer now.. Paul

Hmmm...maybe not! However, at the interim assessment, with a satisfactory justification, they could...probably better not though :I TTFN paul

Hmmm, appen. Tbh Mick I'm just getting used to my first pair of specs...clearly the lenses aren't thick enough!

From the photos, I'm not sure the trees have been 'cut' previously and so perhaps this is the commencement of a cyclical management regime...as a resident / 'stake-holder' you're quite entitled to ask.

Hi, as others have stated, being Sycamore (if they are coz I can't tell for definite) they are a vigorous species and should respond / re-grow rapidly. However, with such 'heavy' pruning / cutting there is a possibility / probability that decay pockets will develop over time which may compromise the stability of the regrowth stems with age / size. Hence the norm is to repeat the exercise periodically, perhaps on a 5-8 year cycle, and also to keep the trees to the desired size. Regards, Paul

...was that before or after you'd rolled the Ash on top of it? The guidance does refer to trees and saplings so stuff well under 75mm dia. could be included. Remember too the TPO regs changed in 2012, well in England at least, albeit I'm not sure anything changed of relevance to this thread...Chris???

'If' the Hazel was an integral part of the woodland, and probably of significant size, then the TO may be of the opinion it is included in the order. The guidance only states that 'shrubs and hedges' would not normally be included in the TPO but, IME, 'shrubs', including exceptionally Portugese Laurel and commonly Hazel, can be included. (REMEMBER a shrub is more a mode of growth than a botanical classification of plant and the guidance states that, for the purposes of the TCPA, a tree is whatever someone might consider to be a tree...helpful eh? )

Just to expand on this ("thanks for the opportunity Gary ") 'best practice' these days dictates that the 'Area' ("blanket") Order is used as a temporary measure until such time a more accurate assessment of the trees can be made and then subsequently designated as individuals, groups or woodlands accordingly.

Very useful clarification Jon, a process I'm not 'au fait' with...but now I understand more. Thank you. Paul

From FC Guidance: Other controls on the felling of trees There are a number of other controls on tree felling which you may need to take into account. When you apply for your licence to fell trees you must also ensure that you take account of all other legislation. We draw your attention to the following examples which deal mainly with the need to get permission to fell trees. TPOs..

Lesser call for crown thinning pruning really, plus concerns if do incorrectly, because people unfamiliar, can result in crown structure damage. Can still be presented in optionals 2 from 4. Cheers John See you there Paul Smith Arboricultural Association

Albeit the 'cap' looks too big but could it be Armellaria appen?

Tis actually County Durham, Beamish, not too far from Chester-Le-Street...and will be on the website shortly for bookings

PS ...and we no longer need to see 'crown thinning' as a mandatory completed job, it's been changed to 'optional'...but crown lift is now mandatory (previously optional.) PPS We do still need to see 'standard' tree planting, i.e. 8-10s, but only x1 example for most businesses.

Hi John, good to hear. We do have one 'penciled in' for Northumberland on 6th Feb. (TBC)...or Cheshire (Sandbach) in October. TBH the Northumberland event will be provisionally booked but unless there's a min. 6 delegates it won't run ...let's hope the contractors from the far North (Scotland) will travel souff.. Cheers, Paul

Hi all..."the moment you've all been waiting for" the 2019 ARB Approved Workshop dates have been released - see https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events (ArbAC Preparation Workshops.) The first one at Merrist Wood, Guildford, Surrey on Tues. 8th Jan. (see https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=2FAA86D5-3C74-484E-84BF-A0C13122C22B ) and remember that attendance may qualify you for 25% discount on the initial assessment fee Please post back, or 'pm', if you need any more info. Hoping to see you there...n thanks for reading, Paul

No problem Eric...however maybe think about putting "pen to paper", or finger to keyboard, as I will suggest she ask for a method statement that sets out how the job will be undertaken including how tree stem will be removed, e.g. sectioned / 'chogged' down. Cheers, Paul

Hmmm, my initial reaction here is that if she, the school H&S lady, rang us we would say the contractor should hold CS39 (as was) and CS41, if rigging is required, and as the stem / 'stick' is usually felled once the crown is removed then the appropriate felling qualification, e.g. CS31 or CS32/33 ("over 380mm dia.") would also be required. We would however confirm there is no tree size restriction for climbing and dismantling. Not sure this really helps your cause...and in stating the above I wholly recognize that many contractors are competent to fell trees over 380mm with only 'small tree felling' qual. but when dealing with H&S managers etc., and particularly if they have access to the PUWER ACOP (where all the quals are listed), you're going to come unstuck Paul PS Just read above and you say you wouldn't be felling the stem...hence don't need CS32. Tell her to call me (Paul Smith 01242 522152.)

Sympathies, having previously having had a broken toe, and bemusement, given the circumstances resulting in such ("yours" not mine...being football related) and hoping for your speedy recovery. Glad the Branch event went well and Jeremy's always a good presenter, oft very direct and contentious, but otherwise just very well informed and experienced. Look forward to hearing more on the accreditation process in the New Year...2019 hopefully Cheers Kevin, ATB.. Paul

"Glad to be of service"...if only occasionally Tbh it's occasionally referenced on UKTC for topic areas where the planning portal isn't particularly helpful or advice seems derived from it. Cheers Kevin, hope you're well. Paul

Hi Kevin, see below (I hope)...obviously now superseded by the planning portal. Regards, Paul tposguide.pdf

The revised 'Guide to Good Climbing Practice', more focused on access and descent techniques, will include SRT, based on Ben and Noddy's work, and should be available first quarter next year. Cheers, Paul

I think, at least some extent, the title of this thread is misleading, i.e. use of the word 'Beginners.' Whilst I acknowledge this is where the tree felling qualifications start the assessment process is quite expansive, having just observed my son going through it, and had he not had at least some tree felling experience so he understood the basics, he would have struggled more through the assessment. He did the associated training course and was able to focus on the less commonly used, but sometimes very useful, felling cuts with which he was less familiar. Certainly an 'eye-opener' for me and very, very different to my old CS10, 11, 12 units...not that I do any real work these days of course