JLA Arborists

Great to see the tables coming together. Will have to get a mill once I get some logs etc

First attempt at climbing at the FR jones show. Not as easy as Andy made it look. I think I'll be aching after my course

Wish I took a kettle, I had to drag my hungover butt to the burger van.

Had a brilliant time thanks to all the FR jones crew for making me welcome. Well done Charlie for the climbs.

Just got home from the Arb & forestry show. Absolutely amazing! Great bunch of people, got some good opinions/tips on kit etc. Attended the seminars which were useful. Even had a go at climbing, only did 2 accents one DRT and 1SRT. Now I'm really looking forward to my course in September. A few thanks: Justin and the gang for putting the show on. Richard and Kingswood training for hosting. Andy for helping me up the tree. And finally a well done to Charlie for his 224? accents, glad I wasn't me doing it lol

You get one end I'll prop the other 😉

I'd say Richard Phillip

I remember in cadets they showed slow mo time lapse pics of a tent on fire. Mine isn't a twisty throw up one its a dome tent but with hinges on the poles.

It's been really hot here, no breeze to cool it down. Not good considering I'm doing a sailing course.

If it stays like this I second the motion!

I'll join a team if anyone wants me. Or since my course is not till sept if there's any newbies / not yet trained we could make a team.

Is it I3.

I've been out to the gulf 3 times where it gets into the mid 60s°c. I said I'll never moan about English weather again, as there is no breeze it's soooo hot

There is a lot of dodgy vans about. Looked at many off eBay that said no damp, when we got there they were like a sponge. Worth it when you get a good one though

Been caravaning in my own right for just over 3 years. Used to really enjoy going as a youth with my mum. Now I take my terrors. My first van cost £650 and so did the car, so for £1300 we were away every other weekend with a local club. I have upgraded twice since then trying to find the right layout. Got a free hat from vistaprint the other day so put on the clubs details to help spread the word

Just received my order from vistaprint. Got some personalised pens, and business cards ready for networking at the Arb & forestry show and for sending off with my CV.

I don't get a headache from mead 😀

Booked into the Arb and forestry show at end of July. Should be a good insight to the industry. Tent tech' has come on since I was in scouts. I used to struggle with ridge poles, inners and outers. Now by pulling 2 strings I have a tent, ready to go. http://www.frjonesandson.co.uk/show/

Booked into the show and seminars. Im camping so had to borrow a tent. What's happened to them all you so now it pull a string and it pops up!! Last time I used a tent, I struggled with the ridge bar

My mum and I remove 3 connies with a land cruiser an a length of chain. Needless to say there was no need for a stump grinder.

I am going to do an arboricultural combination course before leaving the Royal Navy in November and will be available to work from October. I would prefer not to set up alone, and I am looking for an employer who could use someone who is hard working, adaptable and good with the public. The course I will be doing will give me CS30, CS31, CS38 & CS39 plus certificates in wood chipper and stump grinder use. There is a business studies for tree surgeons module as well. Although I don't want to set up alone this module will give me a better understanding of the management side of the business, making me a more rounded employee. I have previous chainsaw experience but getting certified to make it legal to operate for a job / insurance etc. In addition to the previously mentioned course I have £1000 in the next financial year to undertake courses at level 3. I'm thinking CS32 and CS50. After that I have funding available to allow me to undertake a degree, this will be relevant to tree surgery / forestry. I live in Swadlincote, about 3 miles from Conkers, the National Forest visitor centre. I'm willing to travel up to a hour for the right career. A CV is available on request and I hope to hear from you soon

I've done 4 dives, 2 in Malta and 2 in Soller. That was a year ago. When I got back I did my padi theory online and I have to return to Malta for my dad (a padi courses director) to put me through the practical.

My name is Graham, I'm 29 and live a couple of miles from the National Forest visitor centre. I thought a post detailing some of the points I learn as I get trained up as an arborist, may help new members I'm leaving the Royal Navy after 6 years and taking the combined course (mod leavers) with Kingswood training. This course will give me CS30 CS31 CS38 and CS39, plus certificates in wood chippers and stump grinders. Keep watching for developments......... .

Start them young by 3 they will be climbing at 10 they like to show off. Sometime you have to show them how it's done

Like Chris I am looking at a career change into this sector. I have a business startup course booked which also gives Cs30, 31, 38 & 39. Also like Chris I would like to be employed. From the research I have done this is a word of mouth & reputation business. For me the drawbacks of going alone straight away are not feasible. Early on it'll be your feet on the ground chopping and after a weeks (hard) work, I would like to relax (by taking a stroll in the woods lol) not doing paperwork and worrying where the next job is coming from. At least an established company will have contracts in place and good customer base. I have spoke with other ex military who did start up alone and they said the initial outlay, paperwork etc was like jumping in at the deep end with weights on your ankles. They have sold most of their kit and employed with companies.