Stephen Arb Association

Netherlands Study Tour! - A unique tree care voyage! Learn, Network & Discover... 28-30 June 2023 👇 Find out more and sign up here: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-Events/Netherlands-Study-Tour-2023 Management of OPM, Ash Dieback and Sooty bark disease in the Urban Jungle of the Netherlands For this unique arboricultural journey, you won't be confined to an office; instead, you'll be outside or riding in the Safari Bus as you explore the Urban Dutch Jungle! A special three-day study tour in the Netherlands, with the opportunity to experience first-hand the consequences of oak processionary moth (OPM) in the eastern region of the Netherlands and observe the outcomes of ash dieback (ADB) in the west, as well as sooty bark disease. A series of field trips will take delegates to hot spots of infestation, providing numerous examples and offering practical information, demonstrating the effects of these diseases on trees, as well as insights into their management and policies. Throughout the journey, Henry Kuppen will sprinkle in his knowledge of tree diseases and offer insights into the landscape's origins. We’ll also be joined by scientist, consultant and OPM expert Wendy Batenburg and Roel Geerts, an expert in Ash Dieback analysis and decision making. The Explorer’s Mindset: Participants do not need prior knowledge of oak processionary moth, ash dieback, or sooty bark disease to participate in this excursion. However, a professional background in arboriculture is required. Having an "explorer's mindset" and a strong interest in OPM, ADB, and SBD will enhance participants' enjoyment of the field trips. Group discussions and Q&A will be encouraged throughout.

Arborists’ Workshop at the ARB SHOW! The Arborists’ Workshop is one of the top ARB Show attractions with a carefully curated timetable of industry experts sharing knowledge on a range of subjects throughout each day. This is an excellent chance to brush up on the latest developments and enjoy some quality CPD. Get last-minute ARB SHOW TICKETS here: https://boxoffice.forestryengland.uk/en-GB/shows/the arb show admission/events

Arborists’ Workshop at the ARB SHOW! The Arborists’ Workshop is one of the top ARB Show attractions with a carefully curated timetable of industry experts sharing knowledge on a range of subjects throughout each day. This is an excellent chance to brush up on the latest developments and enjoy some quality CPD. Get last-minute ARB SHOW TICKETS here: https://boxoffice.forestryengland.uk/en-GB/shows/the arb show admission/events

For those attending ARB Show for the first time on FRIDAY & SATURDAY! There is an error on Google Maps where the address takes you to the wrong location. USE: Westonbirt Arboretum, A433, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS or Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS DO NOT USE: Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury See you there! Object moved BOXOFFICE.FORESTRYENGLAND.UK

For those attending ARB Show for the first time on FRIDAY & SATURDAY! There is an error on Google Maps where the address takes you to the wrong location. USE: Westonbirt Arboretum, A433, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS or Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS DO NOT USE: Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury See you there! Get tickets here: Object moved BOXOFFICE.FORESTRYENGLAND.UK

Book Your Tickets Friday 12th - Saturday 13th May 9.00am - 17.00pm Less than 1 week until we celebrate the world of tree care and the arborist community, as the longest running arboriculture trade show returns to the Westonbirt Arboretum for the first time in four years! IMPORTANT: ERROR ON GOOGLE MAPS USE: Westonbirt Arboretum, A433, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS or Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS DO NOT USE: Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury Unfortunately, Forestry England are having issues correcting this error. Do not use this option, which as of Sunday 7th May, is completely wrong by around 20 miles. The issue seems to be with 'The National Arboretum' option. NEAREST CASHPOINT: Tetbury - Lloyds TSB or Tesco Superstore FREE ENTRY: Arboricultural Association Members (With Card), Arboricultural Association Approved Contractors (limits apply), ARB Show Open Climbers, Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum Membership, ISA Members. EXHIBITOR LIST ARB Show Activities and Timetables Here's a roundup of just a few of the many attractions waiting for you at the show, not to mention the world class arboretum and its 145 champion trees... ENTER THE ARB SHOW OPEN Book ARB Show Tickets Book Your Tickets

Book Your Tickets Friday 12th - Saturday 13th May 9.00am - 17.00pm Less than 1 week until we celebrate the world of tree care and the arborist community, as the longest running arboriculture trade show returns to the Westonbirt Arboretum for the first time in four years! IMPORTANT: ERROR ON GOOGLE MAPS USE: Westonbirt Arboretum, A433, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS or Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS DO NOT USE: Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury Unfortunately, Forestry England are having issues correcting this error. Do not use this option, which as of Sunday 7th May, is completely wrong by around 20 miles. The issue seems to be with 'The National Arboretum' option. NEAREST CASHPOINT: Tetbury - Lloyds TSB or Tesco Superstore FREE ENTRY: Arboricultural Association Members (With Card), Arboricultural Association Approved Contractors (limits apply), ARB Show Open Climbers, Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum Membership, ISA Members. EXHIBITOR LIST ARB Show Activities and Timetables Here's a roundup of just a few of the many attractions waiting for you at the show, not to mention the world class arboretum and its 145 champion trees... ENTER THE ARB SHOW OPEN Book ARB Show Tickets Book Your Tickets

The ARB Show returns to Westonbirt next month with a host of new activities, top exhibitors, and entry to the world-class arboretum included. Check out the latest exhibitor list and book your tickets today! View Exhibitors: https://trees.org.uk/The-ARB-Show.../ARB-Show-Exhibitor-List Book tickets: https://boxoffice.forestryengland.uk/.../the%20arb.../events

Name the Ale competition shortlist! Last week we received lots of great name suggestions on our social media for Stroud Brewery‘s ARB Show 2023 Ale. We have narrowed it down to: • Arbs reunion • Carabeerner • Kickback • Knots & Hops • Liquidambar • Old Simon • Sprocket Fuel • Tap Root • The Arborist's Ascension There can only be one winner, vote for your favourite: https://www.trees.org.uk/Name-The-Ale-23 Voting closes Thursday 6th April 2023 at 12pm. The winner will be announced on our social media channels and will receive free entry to the show and a free drink on us

Red Diesel: Arboriculture exemption recognised by HMRC After many months of lobbying government to seek clarification on the use of red diesel in arboriculture, the Arboricultural Association is pleased to confirm a new measure which will allow arborists to use rebated fuels in machines and appliances (but not vehicles) for all forms of tree work as they could before the changes made in April 2022. HMRC has recognised that the situation created unintended difficulties for arboriculture businesses whose work requires them to use their machines and appliances for a combination of allowed and no longer allowed purposes. Below are the relevant excerpts from the new measure, as well as a link to the HMRC Amendment in full. On receiving the news, Arboricultural Association CEO John Parker said: “This is great news for the arboricultural sector and will ensure that the changes to red diesel usage which were introduced in 2022 will no longer have a detrimental impact on arborists. The Association is delighted to have successfully influenced government on this matter, and many thanks are due to HMRC and Treasury officials who were so open to listen to the concerns of our members. It is also very positive to see that government has clearly acknowledged the importance of arboriculture as a key profession in delivering its environmental and levelling up ambitions.” HMRC: Amendments to entitlement to use rebated fuels View HMRC Amendment Excerpt: General description of the measure This measure introduces minor amendments to changes that were introduced in April 2022 to restrict the entitlement to use rebated diesel and biofuels, including marked oils. The changes were legislated for in Finance Act 2021 and amended by Finance Act 2022. These amendments will: Add arboriculture to the list of activities for which machines and appliances (other than vehicles) can use rebated fuel, a clarification which will allow those working in this sector to use rebated fuel in the same machines and appliances as they did before April 2022. Excerpt: Background to the measure - Arboriculture As part of the reforms introduced in April 2022, machines and appliances can continue to use rebated fuel for purposes relating to horticulture and forestry. The government has subsequently become aware that because HMRC’s interpretation of horticulture and forestry does not include some aspects of arboriculture, machines used for these purposes can no longer use rebated fuel following the 2022 reforms. For example, tending trees in parks and gardens is accepted as a purpose relating to horticulture but tending trees in streets and housing estates is not. Also, the upkeep and management of forests is only accepted as a purpose relating to forestry when growing and harvesting timber. The government recognises that this has created unintended difficulties for arboriculture businesses whose work requires them to use their machines and appliances for a combination of allowed and no longer allowed purposes. This measure will allow arborists to use rebated fuels in machines and appliances (but not vehicles) for all forms of tree work as they could before the changes made in April 2022. Excerpt: Impact on business including civil society organisations - Arboriculture Arboriculture The measure will reduce the financial burdens of arborists who would otherwise have had to flush out the fuel tanks of their machines when they switched between allowed and non-allowed uses of rebated fuel. There will be some one-off transitional costs for arborists to familiarise themselves with the new rules but as most will be effectively returning to systems they operated before April 2022 this will be minor. Red Diesel in Arboriculture: Background Information The Arboricultural Association has been working since 2021 to address the ongoing impact on arboriculture of changes to red diesel exemptions which came into effect in April 2022. In 2021 the government announced that it would be removing the entitlement to use red diesel from most sectors. The change came into effect on April 1st 2022. Unfortunately, arboriculture was not actually mentioned in the new regulations, creating significant difficulties for arboriculture businesses whose work requires them to use their machines and appliances for a combination of allowed and no longer allowed purposes. After months of lobbying government, members of parliament and relevant ministers, a meeting was secured between Association CEO John Parker and Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs in April 2022 to discuss the impact on arboriculture of the recent changes to red diesel exemptions. Finally, on 16th March 2023, having listened to the concerns of our members’ and the industry, HMRC was able to confirm their resolution of the issue through ‘Measure 4047: Amendments to entitlement to use rebated fuels’. The Association would like to thank HMRC and the Treasury for their willingness to meet and for giving us the opportunity to present our members’ concerns. We’re pleased that the government has understood and addressed the issue, providing a satisfactory resolution and recognising the importance of the arboricultural profession. View previous update

Red Diesel: Arboriculture exemption recognised by HMRC After many months of lobbying government to seek clarification on the use of red diesel in arboriculture, the Arboricultural Association is pleased to confirm a new measure which will allow arborists to use rebated fuels in machines and appliances (but not vehicles) for all forms of tree work as they could before the changes made in April 2022. HMRC has recognised that the situation created unintended difficulties for arboriculture businesses whose work requires them to use their machines and appliances for a combination of allowed and no longer allowed purposes. Below are the relevant excerpts from the new measure, as well as a link to the HMRC Amendment in full. On receiving the news, Arboricultural Association CEO John Parker said: “This is great news for the arboricultural sector and will ensure that the changes to red diesel usage which were introduced in 2022 will no longer have a detrimental impact on arborists. The Association is delighted to have successfully influenced government on this matter, and many thanks are due to HMRC and Treasury officials who were so open to listen to the concerns of our members. It is also very positive to see that government has clearly acknowledged the importance of arboriculture as a key profession in delivering its environmental and levelling up ambitions.” HMRC: Amendments to entitlement to use rebated fuels View HMRC Amendment Excerpt: General description of the measure This measure introduces minor amendments to changes that were introduced in April 2022 to restrict the entitlement to use rebated diesel and biofuels, including marked oils. The changes were legislated for in Finance Act 2021 and amended by Finance Act 2022. These amendments will: Add arboriculture to the list of activities for which machines and appliances (other than vehicles) can use rebated fuel, a clarification which will allow those working in this sector to use rebated fuel in the same machines and appliances as they did before April 2022. Excerpt: Background to the measure - Arboriculture As part of the reforms introduced in April 2022, machines and appliances can continue to use rebated fuel for purposes relating to horticulture and forestry. The government has subsequently become aware that because HMRC’s interpretation of horticulture and forestry does not include some aspects of arboriculture, machines used for these purposes can no longer use rebated fuel following the 2022 reforms. For example, tending trees in parks and gardens is accepted as a purpose relating to horticulture but tending trees in streets and housing estates is not. Also, the upkeep and management of forests is only accepted as a purpose relating to forestry when growing and harvesting timber. The government recognises that this has created unintended difficulties for arboriculture businesses whose work requires them to use their machines and appliances for a combination of allowed and no longer allowed purposes. This measure will allow arborists to use rebated fuels in machines and appliances (but not vehicles) for all forms of tree work as they could before the changes made in April 2022. Excerpt: Impact on business including civil society organisations - Arboriculture Arboriculture The measure will reduce the financial burdens of arborists who would otherwise have had to flush out the fuel tanks of their machines when they switched between allowed and non-allowed uses of rebated fuel. There will be some one-off transitional costs for arborists to familiarise themselves with the new rules but as most will be effectively returning to systems they operated before April 2022 this will be minor. Red Diesel in Arboriculture: Background Information The Arboricultural Association has been working since 2021 to address the ongoing impact on arboriculture of changes to red diesel exemptions which came into effect in April 2022. In 2021 the government announced that it would be removing the entitlement to use red diesel from most sectors. The change came into effect on April 1st 2022. Unfortunately, arboriculture was not actually mentioned in the new regulations, creating significant difficulties for arboriculture businesses whose work requires them to use their machines and appliances for a combination of allowed and no longer allowed purposes. After months of lobbying government, members of parliament and relevant ministers, a meeting was secured between Association CEO John Parker and Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs in April 2022 to discuss the impact on arboriculture of the recent changes to red diesel exemptions. Finally, on 16th March 2023, having listened to the concerns of our members’ and the industry, HMRC was able to confirm their resolution of the issue through ‘Measure 4047: Amendments to entitlement to use rebated fuels’. The Association would like to thank HMRC and the Treasury for their willingness to meet and for giving us the opportunity to present our members’ concerns. We’re pleased that the government has understood and addressed the issue, providing a satisfactory resolution and recognising the importance of the arboricultural profession. View previous update

ARB Show 2023: Honey Brothers to sponsor ARB Worker Zone ARB Show 2023 sponsored by Först (12-13 May) BOOK ARB Show Tickets Find Out More View Exhibitor List We’re pleased to announce that Honey Brothers, one of the leading suppliers of arboricultural equipment in the world, have joined forces with the Association to sponsor the ARB Worker Zone at ARB Show 2023. The Honey Brothers team have some exciting plans for the ARB Worker Zone and will also be exhibiting at the ARB Show for the first time since 2015. The ARB Worker Zone is the main hub for practical focused activities taking place at the ARB Show, giving arborists the chance to try climbing kit, the latest techniques and have a go with practical demonstrations. Honey Brothers support means this will take place alongside a timetable of events each day and a tree climbing tips and tricks drop in area, led by industry experts. Martyn Day, Managing Director at Honey Brothers was pleased to confirm their return “We’re looking forward to being back at the ARB Show, connecting with customers, showcasing new products to the market and having fun!” Honey Brothers Ltd has been established since 1955, originally supplying professional tree surgery and garden equipment to the local area. The company has now grown to become the largest arborist equipment specialist in the tree care industry, shipping worldwide. John Parker, Arboricultural Association CEO said “We’re really pleased to welcome Honey Brothers back having been such a prominent part of the event over its twenty plus year history. It’s another sign that the return of ARB Show will be well worth the wait.” Details of more ARB Worker Zone activities and a full exhibitor list will be released in the coming weeks. The return of this flagship tree care industry show represents a chance for the arb community to reunite and for us to cultivate a wider appreciation for arboriculture, all amongst one of the most spectacular tree collections in the world. Tickets for the ARB Show sponsored by Först are now available to book, with free entry available for Arboricultural Association and ISA members. Entry includes access to the National Arboretum.

ARB Show 2023 sponsored by Först Friday 12 – Saturday 13 May 2023 The one-stop shop for tree care professionals - Tickets on sale now Free entry for Arboricultural Association Members ARB Show Tickets Exhibitor Booking The ARB Show returns to Westonbirt for a celebration of the world of tree care. After a four year wait, the must visit event for arborists brings a host of new activities. Tickets are now on sale for the biggest UK show dedicated to arboriculture, promising a unique experience for all those with a passion for trees and the tree care industry. We’re delighted to announce that the 22nd ARB Show welcomes a new main event sponsor in Först. The partnership between the Arboricultural Association and Europe's leading manufacturer of commercial wood chippers will help the event continue to grow, evolving activities and attractions for both the industry and the public. Först will be announcing some exciting plans in the coming months. Nicola Shepherd, UK Marketing Manager at Först commented: “We’re hugely excited to be the main sponsor at the ARB Show 2023. The show is an important date in the arboriculture calendar and gives the industry the chance to come together and celebrate all things arb as well as showcase new products and innovations and we’re extremely proud to be supporting that. Först has seen rapid growth over the last ten years and thanks to our loyal customers are now 3x the size of the next largest woodchipper manufacturer in the UK and Europe. Sponsoring at the ARB Show gives us the perfect opportunity to look after our existing customers, with our notorious Först hospitality, and welcome new ones.” Visitors will be able to enjoy a showground featuring a new Först demonstration arena and meet some of the biggest brands across the arboricultural industry. Surrounded by one of the most important tree collections in the world, this showcase of the latest industry innovations and technology also has a new focus on interactive attractions. The Arb Worker Zone gives arborists the chance to get impartial advice about climbing kit and techniques or have a go with daily practical demonstrations. The Arborists’ Workshop returns with top industry experts sharing knowledge on a range of subjects. For those that want to test their skills against the best, knot tying and throwline competitions will be open to all. While the ARB Show Open Climbing Competition will be a heated contest drawing climbers of all levels from across the UK and Ireland. It’s no secret that trees are good for us, providing a wide range of benefits to society. Yet, not everyone knows about the profession which stewards these trees: arboriculture. For the first time the public-focused Tree Care Forum will take place alongside ARB Show. The area will feature talks and activities on the importance of arboriculture and the tree care community for the general public. The return of this flagship industry show represents a chance for the arb community to reunite and for us to cultivate a wider appreciation for arboriculture. Association CEO John Parker said: “We’re thrilled to be back at Westonbirt. The ARB Show is our biggest single opportunity to bring together our industry and the public who have such a keen interest in trees. These in-person gatherings are one of the keys to building a vibrant tree care community, with opportunities to share ideas and experiences.” ARB Show tickets are now available to book, with free entry available for Arboricultural Association and ISA members. Entry includes access to the National Arboretum. ARB Show Tickets Exhibitor Booking

THE LAST WEBINAR OF THE SERIES! This Wednesday's "Tree and Storms" is the last in this series of FREE LIVE webinars. This webinar will explore the research around storms and trees With Andrew Koeser and Allyson Salisbury. Don't miss the last one, register your spot here: https://lnkd.in/eE8bbAsE

THE LAST WEBINAR OF THE SERIES! This Wednesday's "Tree and Storms" is the last in this series of FREE LIVE webinars. This webinar will explore the research around storms and trees With Andrew Koeser and Allyson Salisbury. Don't miss the last one, register your spot here: https://lnkd.in/eE8bbAsE

CALL FOR PAPERS! 📑🖊 ARBORICULTURAL ASSOCIATION AMENITY CONFERENCE 2023 🌳 Rather than focusing on a particular theme, Conference 2023 will seek to explore a wide range of subjects relevant to the arboricultural profession. We would welcome proposals for presentations, workshops, or posters. Find out more and submit here: https://lnkd.in/dQsTzWw3

CALL FOR PAPERS! 📑🖊 ARBORICULTURAL ASSOCIATION AMENITY CONFERENCE 2023 🌳 Rather than focusing on a particular theme, Conference 2023 will seek to explore a wide range of subjects relevant to the arboricultural profession. We would welcome proposals for presentations, workshops, or posters. Find out more and submit here: https://lnkd.in/dQsTzWw3

The first webinar of 2023 - With Reg Harris & Ted Green THINKING ARBS: RETRENCHMENT WEDNESDAY 04 JANUARY 2023 @ 6PM GMT Ted Green, Reg Harris, and friends join us for a webinar to discuss retrenchment. Includes CPD hours or CEU points. Find out more and register your place now: Arboricultural Association - Thinking Arbs: Retrenchment TREES.ORG.UK Professional training courses and workshops for Tree Surgeons, arborists and consultants. A wide range of Tree Surgeon Courses and Tree Surgeon Training available with either online or classroom face...

The first webinar of 2023 - With Reg Harris & Ted Green THINKING ARBS: RETRENCHMENT WEDNESDAY 04 JANUARY 2023 @ 6PM GMT Ted Green, Reg Harris, and friends join us for a webinar to discuss retrenchment. Find out more and register your place now: Arboricultural Association - Thinking Arbs: Retrenchment TREES.ORG.UK Professional training courses and workshops for Tree Surgeons, arborists and consultants. A wide range of Tree Surgeon Courses and Tree Surgeon Training available with either online or classroom face...

Did you miss last night's awesome free webinar? Don't worry! Register for next week's webinar: THE AESTHETIC, BIOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL VALUE OF TREES: A BRIEF HISTORY OF CIVILISATION! WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER 2022 @ 6PM GMT In this talk, Chris Knapman, Tree and Environmental consultant, explores the relationship of ourselves and other species with trees- the most versatile organism in all creation! Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_tQ4ViHSySRCNrAMVfGk0CQ Approved for ISA CEUs (Continuing Education Units) This webinar = 1.5 CPD hours/ CEU points

Did you miss last night's awesome free webinar? Don't worry! Register for next week's webinar: THE AESTHETIC, BIOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL VALUE OF TREES: A BRIEF HISTORY OF CIVILISATION! WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER 2022 @ 6PM GMT In this talk, Chris Knapman, Tree and Environmental consultant, explores the relationship of ourselves and other species with trees- the most versatile organism in all creation! Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_tQ4ViHSySRCNrAMVfGk0CQ Approved for ISA CEUs (Continuing Education Units) This webinar = 1.5 CPD hours/ CEU points

The first WEBINAR of the WEDNESDAY WEBINAR SERIES is back this Wednesday! Arbor day: Time for Trees With Charlotte Bancroft and Dan Lambe Wednesday 14 December 2022 Don't miss out, register your place now! Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eWsXbDp-TVaYnjPuJRBiPQ

The first WEBINAR of the WEDNESDAY WEBINAR SERIES is back this Wednesday! Arbor day: Time for Trees With Charlotte Bancroft and Dan Lambe Wednesday 14 December 2022 Don't miss out, register your place now! Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eWsXbDp-TVaYnjPuJRBiPQ

What is a tree? Conference: On-Demand Access to the must-see event for anyone who works with trees is here. If you missed this years' landmark Arboricultural Association conference, 'What is a tree?' You can now catch up on over 17 hours of talks featuring 17 expert speakers from around the globe. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/eHRjVhgd

What is a tree? Conference: On-Demand Access to the must-see event for anyone who works with trees is here. If you missed this years' landmark Arboricultural Association conference, 'What is a tree?' You can now catch up on over 17 hours of talks featuring 17 expert speakers from around the globe. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/eHRjVhgd