Tom Mabbutt

Ahh the wonders of the internet. Nice one!

Hi all, Just came across this Czech website and I was bowled over buy the photographs of fungi on there, so I though I'd share it. http://www.naturephoto-cz.eu/fungi.html Worthy of a browser bookmark I'd say.

I'd say go natural too - banana's, dried fruit and a flask of nice coffee. You'll feel sound as in long run.

I own the Cofra class 2 woodsman boots, they hold up pretty well to be fair, but can only handle a shower, working in rain for a hour or more and your feet are squelching all day. I won't be buying again, go for a gortex lined pair of boots, well worth the extra cash.

Have you tried Myerscough? They're normally very accommodating and from my own personal experience their distance learning programmes are spot on. You might have trouble getting an answer at the moment though as the arb office their might be deserted due to the holidays? Worth a try tho...

Well done mate! Did you do them at Myerscough by any chance? The profile picture looks familiar.

No worries! Theres a cracking book available on plant galls - 'British Plant Galls by Margaret Redfern and Peter Shirley'. The illustrations are brilliant.

Looks like common spangle gall to me mate.

From the poor quality photo on the BBC news website it looks like a Poplar, which is unsurprising really.

I recommend the online myerscough option too. The tutors were tops, they checked and replied to emails daily and were always v happy to help. Damn sight cheaper than the private options too I expect?

I did mine online with Myerscough - started in September 2010. I loved the course so much I decided to move up to Preston altogether and I'm now doing my FdSc full-time there! The tutors were very committed and eager to help...if Duncan Slater is still one of the online lecturers you're onto a winner. I know they've done it this year, but not sure about next? Deffo give em a ring.

Wow, thats a beast.

Oh yeah. Thats a great idea, pretty sure my niece has got some 'Hello Kitty' swimming goggles lying around. I'll give them a try.

Will do mate, nice one!

I actually ordered some bolles for 8 quid yesterday...but I've got a knack for loosing/breaking shades though ...I'll see how they fair though! Nice one mate.

Yeah, I've seen the mesh 'safe eyes goggles', they look a bit weird to me tbh. Saying that im considering giving them a whirl and bearing the grief I get for wearing them!

Hi everyone, I've got the MSA mesh visor for my Vertex helmet, but the fine dust still comes through and griefs my eyes. Been looking at safety glasses but from what I've read on a previous post on here they're prone to fogging. Just wandered if the VIZIR clear visor does the job? Does it scratch easily or fog at all. £30 to us students is a lot! Cheers!

All that nearby grass (which looks like its right up to the stem?) will be giving the little tinker loads of grief too!

p.s. I know the last two aren't really health care/pruning but they will be worthy additions to your bookshelf if you haven't got em. Tom

Alright mate, Heres a few that really helped me on my first course (RFS Cert Arb). You can pick em up pretty cheap. 'The Hillier Book of Tree Planting and Management' by Keith D. Rushforth - A good all-round practical arb book. One thing I really like is the fact there is lists of species at the back for specific locations/uses, etc. like -good autumn colour, clayey soils, good street trees, wet sites, etc. The book is a little dated (87) but it still does the job. [ame=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hillier-Book-Tree-Planting-Management/dp/0715385895]The Hillier Book of Tree Planting and Management: Amazon.co.uk: Keith D. Rushforth: Books[/ame] 'Botany for Gardeners' by Brian Capon - Don't be put off by the title. If you want to get a good grounding in the science behind trees this is a cracker. Its a very accessible book too, lots of the science-y books can be a challenge to read, esp. for beginners, but this one explains it all very nicely. I still use it on my arb degree too. Def one of my faves. [ame=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Botany-Gardeners-Brian-Capon/dp/0881926558]Botany for Gardeners: Amazon.co.uk: Brian Capon: Books[/ame] oh! How could I forget...this next ones epic and it really is a joy to read. The guys a legend too, he came to college and gave us a really interesting lecture. I reckon this book could be responsible for infecting many people with the arb-bug. 'Trees: Their natural history' by Peter Thomas [ame=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trees-Natural-History-P-Thomas/dp/052145963X]Trees: Their Natural History: Amazon.co.uk: P. A. Thomas: Books[/ame] Hope that helps mate. Tom

Thanks a lot for the encouragement guys!

Hi all, I'm a 27 year old arb student looking for ground-work/tree work or even landscaping work over the summer in either the Manchester or Shrewsbury/south Shropshire areas. I've just finished the 1st year of my FdSc full-time at Myerscough. I would like to get more experience over the summer as this will help me get ready for my 1 year student placement which I've secured at RHS Wisley (which I’m starting in September) . I have minimal experience but I am really eager, keen, ambitious, hardworking, I like getting stuck in, I’m reliable and I want to learn as much as I can about absolutely everything. Practical references from my tutors are available if desired. So far, my tickets/qualifications are as follows: -CS30.1 & CS30.2 -CS31 -CS38 -CS39 -RFS Cert Arb (Theory) I also have an NVQ3 advice and guidance (useful for dealing with clients). I have had basic chipper training too and I have all my own ppe and climbing equipment. I also have an arborist/tradesman insurance quote in the process of getting underwritten (so I should be covered very soon too). I’m available for hard graft and getting abused from the 17th May onwards Cheers, Tom [email protected]

At the moment I'm in lectures throughout the week, but I have fridays off, no rest for the wicked eh?! I am loving it though, wouldn't wanna be doing anything else. Let us know if you have need for a goundie in the Preston/Myerscough/Lancaster areas during term time.

Yes, I am Rob. Are you at Myerscough too?

I've also received chipper training including basic maintenance.