AA Teccie (Paul)

...and don't forget to record it in the accident book...stop yawning! You're probably self-employed but if employed / sub-contracted, accident book entries can be a useful tool for going back to the boss n saying we've had several of these so either need to change how we work, e.g. machinery / flails, or need better PPE (which is usually more expensive.) Sorry, HnS take on it but I do hope it gets sorted soon as sounds painful. Take care.. Paul

Hi all, hope yer well Don't forget about the SRT event 'next Saturday (8th Nov.) in Glos. There's still a few places available so book ASAP (see 'flyer' below.) Cheers all Paul SRT Leaflet-lr.pdf

Nope, just carry on. The AA membership no. option is there for courses where there's a member discount which isn't applicable here. Any problems, best to give Tiff a call 01242 522152 Cheers.. Paul

Hi there, lots of good advice on TPOs / CAs / FLs here so I won't repeat any of it but suffice to say in every instance a woodland management plan would be a very useful document to support any applications / operations etc. you wish to implement. Good luck.. Paul

Noooooo, all welcomed...you could maybe 'sign-up' on the day tho if you find it useful Cheers.. Paul

Lucky guess...well done David. Hope you're well. Paul

Is that a reference to yourself or my attempt to ID?

Based on experience with L. Plane I'd have suggested Inonotus hispidus ...and until I saw the 2nd image I felt reasonably confident Where's David? TTFN Paul PS Clearly I need to see if the AA are running any fungi ID courses

Hi all, eventually we're hitting the South East region on Wed. 5th November at Hadlow College with the 'FoC' ARB Approved Contractor Preparation Workshop. For further information and to book, please see ARB Approved Contractor Preparation Workshop (FYI this workshop can present upto 5hrs CPD or 5 CEUs for your ISA Certified Arborist status.) Cheers all n hope to see you there Paul

I told Simon that...tut, tut, just can't get the staff these days. Thank you Jules:thumbup1: Paul

Polyporous squamosa perhaps (Dryad's Saddle) Paul...or Simon if this guess is nonsense

Hi all, just a heads up to say we've reviewed and updated the ARB Approved Contractor (ArbAC) standards which, remember, are applicable to ALL and present you with an opportunity to 'benchmark' your business. The standards are recognised as a credible industry benchmark by HSE and hence we co-present on their 'Engaging Competent Arb Contractors' SHAD (Safety and Health Awareness Day) events. See the attached docs, relevant to business size, and Become an ARB Approved Contractor for further info. Cheers all...n hope to meet you at one of our future FoC ArbAC Preparation Workshops: 1. East Anglia (Brandon, Suffolk) - Wed. 22nd Oct. 2. South East (Hadlow College, Kent) - Wed. 5th Nov. 3. Scotland (Royal Highland Showground - Thurs. 13th Nov. (2015 dates n venues to follow soon.) Paul Standards-5-or-more-employees-FINALv5(141008).docx Standards-fewer-than-5-employees-FINALv5(141008).docx

Verbatim: Is a section 211 notice required for work to dead or dangerous trees in conservation areas? Unless there is an immediate risk of serious harm, anyone proposing to carry out work on a tree in a conservation area on the grounds that it is dead must give the authority five days notice before carrying out the proposed work. Where such a tree requires urgent work to remove an immediate risk of serious harm, written notice is required as soon as practicable after the work becomes necessary. See Exceptions relating to section 211 notices | Planning Practice Guidance for further guidance. Basically I would advise taking photos, dealing with the immediate problem, the fallen branch, then assess the tree and either a 5-day notice if deemed immediate danger or Sect. 211 notice, i.e. 6 weeks, if not...unless deemed exempt by virtue of it being in a 'dangerous' condition...then it's back to the 5-day notice scenario. Being informed, I would also recommend you speak to the LPA Tree Officer...particularly if a prominent tree, and out of courtesy anyway. Cheers.. Paul PS This is the requirement in England, and Wales (generally), but Scotland may be different as different regs apply.

Yup, Fistulina hepatica, don't rush in wielding your chainsaw though as it usually works on the heartwood hollowing the tree out over a long period of time before it becomes unsafe...generally speaking. I'm sure others will add more...n better stuff too Cheers.. Paul

Not strictly true , admittedly the occasions when it is deemed 'Often Appropriate' are few (well once) and relate to management of light and shade, i.e. creating a dapple-shade effect for a dense canopy perhaps. In terms of timing, following Shigo's (the late, great) Modern Arboriculture he suggests ideally avoiding leaf emergence, early Spring, and leaf-fall, Autumn, as in terms of energy reserves these are the two times in a year when the tree is most vulnerable to further depletion through pruning. However, many prune Sycamore all year round as it's generally a vigorous species and provided individually it has good vitality, it will usually tolerate it quite happily. Just a few thoughts.. Cheers.. Paul

Cut a section out at the base, being careful not to cut into the tree bark, and wait...poss. two years but usually fully effective...except for the regrowth from the cut sections. Stripping is both very time consuming, and an awful job, and causes great disturbance to wildlife who may be using it so is to be avoided generally I would suggest. Hope this helps and, does it really need removing / killing off? Cheers.. Paul

Hi Tom, thanks for your post. Please do come along and find out more. Whilst ISO's do have national, even international if UKAS accredited, recognition they don't address the industry specific aspects of H&S compliance, operational competence / proficiency, arb technical knowledge and tree-work quality standards, i.e. the industry specific stuff. However they certainly do help with procurement procedures in terms of quality management systems, as you have highlighted, as increasingly does being ARB Approved for the H&S compliance aspect. Look forward to meeting you there and answering your questions. Cheers .. Paul

I wouldn't agree with this statement. Whilst there may be legitimate concerns, based on the nos. of credits (as described above), from the ICF for professional membership I strongly believe the ABC Level 6 Dip. Arb carries significant 'weight' within the industry and employers and other professionals recognise its value, as indeed do those who have studied it. Personally, if I had the time, I would seriously consider it (congrats to those who have done so, I admire your commitment, self-discipline and diligence.) Cheers.. Paul

Sorry, I can't advise any further you would need to speak to Dave Dowson (who I believe has convinced ICF to rescind there decision, at least for the time being.) Cheers.. Paul

Hmmm, not wholly sure why but I think that it may be something to do with the number of 'credits' involved which are essentially the building blocks of the qualifications registered on the new Quals. and Credits Framework (QCF.) Essentially whilst both the 'ABC award' and the BSc are at level 6, and both have enough credits to register them as 'Diploma', the ABC is 60 credits and the BSc is 360...hence a significant difference in favour of the BSc. Now, this is the world of academia and professional membership / charter-ship, the world of employment may take a different view. The AA Prof. Member, and onto Fellowship after 5 years, will happily accept ABC level 6 qualification. Hope this helps...at least a little. Thanks.. Paul

Timon, thank you for coming along and your valuable questions and contributions throughout the day, that's what really makes it. Good luck with everything and don't hesitate to "shout" if I can help with anything. Cheers...n hoping to see you before 12 months Paul

Given the complexity of the situation here, and the potential financial penalty for "getting it wrong", I would strongly recommend you engage a suitably qualified and competent arboriculturist to advise you, i.e. an arbor. consultant. There are several on forum here, so give them a shout, but should you so wish there is a list here too Directory of Arboricultural Association Registered Consultants Regards, and good luck, Paul

Hi Tim, thanks for your post here. Nope, the Council nomination scheme is being phased out for 2015 and it's being replaced by a 25% discount on the initial application fee for all businesses attending the workshop and applying for assessment within 3 months thereafter (regardless of business size, i.e. nos. employees.) Hence please book on and I look forward to meeting you there. Cheers.. Paul

Whilst acknowledging that I come from the 'conformance' side of the industry this just about sums it up and gives a commercial value, or rather potential saving, aspect too. Great post. Cheers.. Paul