Stephen Arb Association

Hi All, The Association is thrilled to announce the appointment of John Parker (MArborA) as our new Senior Technical Officer, further widening and developing the skill set of the organisation’s technical team. John, who begins his post on 5th August 2019, brings a unique and valuable skill set to the Association and his joining will strengthen the AA team considerably. Welcome on board John! Read more here: https://bit.ly/2MGti8D

Hi Steve - We'll certainly release the results, most like in the ARB Mag but I'll also post it to the AA website and send you the link when it's available. Good that they are involving Arb in the parliamentary review as well, seems like we're finally starting to get their attention but we'll have to keep prodding. On a side note, getting arboriculture listed on the SIC codes list might be a good start - http://resources.companieshouse.gov.uk/sic/ Surely if '01440 - Raising of camels and camelids' warrants its own code then so do we!? Apologies to any camel breeders out there...

P&D ID Poster also attached - handy for anyone to pin up in the office. The tree alert url has changed as FC have a new website: https://treealert.forestry.gov.uk/ A2 Biosecurity Poster - A3 Landscape – Nov18-web.pdf

Hi All, I hope this will be of use to everyone, please share and spread the word. FREE Application of Biosecurity in Arboriculture eBook Launched The new Arboricultural Association ‘Application of Biosecurity in Arboriculture’ Guidance Note is now available in digital and print formats. The document provides detailed best practice guidance for Arborists working in any role in arboriculture and environmental sectors, with a helpful document key indicating which sections are directly relevant to each job role. The publication was developed by principal authors Simon Cox and James Roberts, with valuable assistance from a host of Association members and supporting organisations including Forestry Commission England and the Trees & Design Action Group. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to tackle biosecurity. Free eBook: http://www.trees.org.uk/gn2 Buy Your Copy Here: https://www.trees.org.uk/Book-Shop/Products/Application-of-Biosecurity-in-Arboriculture-en We've also got a couple of posters which have been sent with the latest ARB Magazine - I have attached one and will post the P & D Identification Test poster once I have an electronic copy. There are further biosecurity resources available here in the non-member version of Help for Arborists: https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Help-for-Arborists Thanks, Steve A2 Biosecurity Poster - A2 Landscape – Jan19-PRINT.pdf

Government Survey on Shortage Occupation List - Arboriculture asked to contribute Shortage Occupation List 2018: Call for Evidence The Migration Advisory Committee have published their intention to review the Shortage Occupation List and the Arborist Working Group (AWG) are seeking to submit a consolidated response on behalf of the Arboricultural Association. In conjunction with the 2019 Parliamentary Review, which the AWG also has an involvement in, this is a good opportunity for the industry to make itself heard and encourage greater Government support in the development and promotion of careers in Arboriculture. The survey will take 10-12 minutes. Take the Survey Survey Closes 3rd January 2019 In June 2018, the government commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to carry out a full review of the composition of the shortage occupation list (SOL), to report in spring 2019. The MAC was asked to start the review of the SOL in the autumn. In order to asses which occupations and job titles should be added to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) uses both national data and evidence submitted by stakeholders. The MAC considers both sets of evidence in combination. The MAC is adopting a new approach to its call for evidence and engagement with stakeholders. The MAC will focus on specific job titles rather than broader occupations and requires evidence that supports this approach. The evidence produced by stakeholders is very important in helping to assess which job titles are in shortage. The MAC ask that all respondents to this call for evidence complete an online form that will comprise their evidence to this review of the SOL. Take the Survey

Hi Folks, Just to clarify the Help for Arborists templates - risk assessments, toolbox talks etc which used to be free became a member benefit about 18 months ago. They are available to all levels of membership which starts at Foundation grade for £60/year, that's £5 a month - less than a Netflix subscription and a damn sight more useful as your also supporting raising the profile of the industry and professionalism. You also get 4 Arb magazines a year, 2 e-newsletters a month, free technical advice, access to the supplier discounts catalogue, free entry to the ARB Show and the ability to get involved and change what you don't like. There are still some useful links in the 'free' area below https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Help-for-Arborists Thanks, Steve

Hello To all our Cornwall Arbs (and any interested), Just wanted to make sure no one misses out on this one, tickets are selling fast and the Cornwall Branch has put on some fantastic events over the past 2 years. Cornwall Branch has announced an exciting line-up for its 2018 Autumn Seminar at the Waterside Resort in Bodmin on Tuesday 20th November. Featuring talks from The Forestry Commission (Pests & Diseases), Cornwall Council, Paul Diamond (Urban Trees and Wildlife), Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Jeremy Barrell delivering a new presentation on Highway Tree Inspections for the first time. Tickets from £30 - BOOKING: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=A352978D-DF9B-4490-8225-D1AE6068BEA1 Jeremy Barrell – Highway tree inspections; are you on the right side of the law? Forestry Commission Tree Health Team – Learning what to look out for with the latest P&D Cornwall Council – What’s new at County level Paul Diamond – Informed tree selections for local wildlife Cornwall Wildlife Trust – The Cornwall Beaver reestablishment project and the impact of Beaver populations on woodland The Forestry Commission will be updating us with latest situation in the world of Pests and Diseases and explaining what we can all do on a personal and professional level to help. There have been a lot of developments this year, from the spread of Oak Processionary Moth to the release of detailed industry guidance on the application of biosecurity practices. Jeremy Barrell will present a summary on the current state of the nation in respect of highway tree inspections and offer his interpretation of what the standard of duty of care is likely to look like into 2019, and beyond. Jeremy has been involved in six of the 11 civil cases relating to harm arising from tree failures that have resulted in written judgments in the last two decades. Find out more about Jeremys’ exclusive presentation: https://www.trees.org.uk/Trees.org.uk/files/ea/ea8ac2fc-4ab0-4ca3-a398-de1f0e43af86.pdf Cornwall Council will be updating us on what’s new at County level, with the latest news around trees and development. Paul Diamond of Ecological Surveys will be presenting key takeaways from his fascinating research into tree and wildlife associations. His project will help to determine the impact on our urban habitats if we continue to plant exotic trees. Finally, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust will be telling us about their work in bringing Beavers back to Cornwall. The first beavers in over 400 years were born in June 2018. This exciting project has lots of ecological implications not least on the surrounding woodland and as tree care professionals it is a subject that we should be aware of.

Hello To all our Cornwall Arbs (and any interested), Just wanted to make sure no one misses out on this one, tickets are selling fast and the Cornwall Branch has put on some fantastic events over the past 2 years. Cornwall Branch has announced an exciting line-up for its 2018 Autumn Seminar at the Waterside Resort in Bodmin on Tuesday 20th November. Featuring talks from The Forestry Commission (Pests & Diseases), Cornwall Council, Paul Diamond (Urban Trees and Wildlife), Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Jeremy Barrell delivering a new presentation on Highway Tree Inspections for the first time. Tickets from £30 - BOOKING: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=A352978D-DF9B-4490-8225-D1AE6068BEA1 Jeremy Barrell – Highway tree inspections; are you on the right side of the law? Forestry Commission Tree Health Team – Learning what to look out for with the latest P&D Cornwall Council – What’s new at County level Paul Diamond – Informed tree selections for local wildlife Cornwall Wildlife Trust – The Cornwall Beaver reestablishment project and the impact of Beaver populations on woodland The Forestry Commission will be updating us with latest situation in the world of Pests and Diseases and explaining what we can all do on a personal and professional level to help. There have been a lot of developments this year, from the spread of Oak Processionary Moth to the release of detailed industry guidance on the application of biosecurity practices. Jeremy Barrell will present a summary on the current state of the nation in respect of highway tree inspections and offer his interpretation of what the standard of duty of care is likely to look like into 2019, and beyond. Jeremy has been involved in six of the 11 civil cases relating to harm arising from tree failures that have resulted in written judgments in the last two decades. Find out more about Jeremys’ exclusive presentation: https://www.trees.org.uk/Trees.org.uk/files/ea/ea8ac2fc-4ab0-4ca3-a398-de1f0e43af86.pdf Cornwall Council will be updating us on what’s new at County level, with the latest news around trees and development. Paul Diamond of Ecological Surveys will be presenting key takeaways from his fascinating research into tree and wildlife associations. His project will help to determine the impact on our urban habitats if we continue to plant exotic trees. Finally, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust will be telling us about their work in bringing Beavers back to Cornwall. The first beavers in over 400 years were born in June 2018. This exciting project has lots of ecological implications not least on the surrounding woodland and as tree care professionals it is a subject that we should be aware of.

Hi Folks Only a few places left on the Bristol course. The first course took place this week in Wokingham and earned rave reviews. Applied Tree Biology will develop a fundamental understanding of tree biology and help arboriculturalists understand the science that underpins tree management practices. Run by Dr Andy Hirons this is not a course to be missed. Booking: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=84431A57-8C26-4077-949C-F8FF979920E6

Hi Folks Only a few places left on the Bristol course. The first course took place this week in Wokingham and earned rave reviews. Applied Tree Biology will develop a fundamental understanding of tree biology and help arboriculturalists understand the science that underpins tree management practices. Run by Dr Andy Hirons this is not a course to be missed. Booking: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=84431A57-8C26-4077-949C-F8FF979920E6

Hi All, I hope this will be of use to everyone, please share and spread the word. There are further biosecurity resources available here in the non-member version of Help for Arborists: https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Help-for-Arborists FREE Application of Biosecurity in Arboriculture eBook Launched The new Arboricultural Association ‘Application of Biosecurity in Arboriculture’ Guidance Note is now available in digital and print formats. The document provides detailed best practice guidance for Arborists working in any role in arboriculture and environmental sectors, with a helpful document key indicating which sections are directly relevant to each job role. The publication was developed by principal authors Simon Cox and James Roberts, with valuable assistance from a host of Association members and supporting organisations including Forestry Commission England and the Trees & Design Action Group. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to tackle biosecurity. Buy Your Copy Here: https://www.trees.org.uk/Book-Shop/Products/Application-of-Biosecurity-in-Arboriculture-en Free eBook: http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=4cfe59b6-6eec-411e-b305-0a2ce0d99e73

Hi All, I hope this will be of use to everyone, please share and spread the word. There are further biosecurity resources available here in the non-member version of Help for Arborists: https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Help-for-Arborists FREE Application of Biosecurity in Arboriculture eBook Launched The new Arboricultural Association ‘Application of Biosecurity in Arboriculture’ Guidance Note is now available in digital and print formats. The document provides detailed best practice guidance for Arborists working in any role in arboriculture and environmental sectors, with a helpful document key indicating which sections are directly relevant to each job role. The publication was developed by principal authors Simon Cox and James Roberts, with valuable assistance from a host of Association members and supporting organisations including Forestry Commission England and the Trees & Design Action Group. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to tackle biosecurity. Buy Your Copy Here: https://www.trees.org.uk/Book-Shop/Products/Application-of-Biosecurity-in-Arboriculture-en Free eBook: http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=4cfe59b6-6eec-411e-b305-0a2ce0d99e73

Hi Folks, Just wanted to let you all know about our fantastic line up for Arborists in East Anglia at just £6, featuring an evening of informative lectures including top speakers David Evans (VALID Tree Risk Assessment System) and Jim Mullholland (Bats and Arboriculture). Followed by the first East Anglia AGM in some time where we hope to install a new committee. BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=DF4E25D5-E3C1-49D3-BDDD-47E1E3C53DD7 VALID with David Evans The first speaker David Evans will discuss the VALID system. The world of tree risk assessment and management tends to fall into one of two camps. A ‘quantitative’ path pioneered by Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA). And a ‘qualitative’ route which the International Society of Arboriculture has gone down with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). David’s presentation will explore and deliver a third way, that is VALID. VALID marries the benefits of both quantitative numbers and qualitative words in an easy to use and understand tree risk-benefit assessment App. Bats and Arboriculture Jim Mullholland will be giving his highly popular talk on Bat Surveying and explaining what we can do better. New East Anglia Branch Committee – Volunteers needed The objectives of East Anglia Branch are to engage with the public, tree owners and professionals to further the aims of the Arboricultural Association. We aim to provide quality training events throughout East Anglia, to raise the profile of arboriculture in East Anglia and promote a better understanding of the environment in East Anglia. We will have representatives from the South East branch on hand to give some advice to perspective committee members. The South East Branch will round the talks off with a short presentation on how to increase branch engagement and answer any questions from people thinking about joining the new East Anglia Committee. The Annual General meeting will take place after the talks and a new Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Committee will hopefully be elected. If you would like to make an impact in your local branch this is your opportunity to get involved. GET INVOLVED If you’re interested in being part of the committee and helping to get things started please email [email protected] Can’t Attend? Don’t worry, you can still volunteer to put your name forward for the branch committee – just let us know!

Hi Folks, We've got a fantastic line up for Arborists in East Anglia at just £5, featuring an evening of informative lectures including top speakers David Evans (VALID Tree Risk Assessment System) and Jim Mullholland (Bats and Arboriculture). Followed by the first East Anglia AGM in some time where we hope to install a new committee. 10th October 2018 BOOK NOW https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=DF4E25D5-E3C1-49D3-BDDD-47E1E3C53DD7 VALID with David Evans: The first speaker David Evans will discuss the VALID system. The world of tree risk assessment and management tends to fall into one of two camps. A ‘quantitative’ path pioneered by Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA). And a ‘qualitative’ route which the International Society of Arboriculture has gone down with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). David’s presentation will explore and deliver a third way, that is VALID. VALID marries the benefits of both quantitative numbers and qualitative words in an easy to use and understand tree risk-benefit assessment App. Bats and Arboriculture: Jim Mullholland will be giving his highly popular talk on Bat Surveying and explaining what we can do better. New East Anglia Branch Committee - Volunteers needed: The objectives of East Anglia Branch are to engage with the public, tree owners and professionals to further the aims of the Arboricultural Association. We aim to provide quality training events throughout East Anglia, to raise the profile of arboriculture in East Anglia and promote a better understanding of the environment in East Anglia. We will have representatives from the South East branch on hand to give some advice to perspective committee members. The South East Branch will round the talks off with a short presentation on how to increase branch engagement and answer any questions from people thinking about joining the new East Anglia Committee. The Annual General meeting will take place after the talks and a new Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Committee will hopefully be elected. If you would like to make an impact in your local branch this is your opportunity to get involved. Get Involved: If you’re interested in being part of the committee and helping to get things started please e-mail [email protected]

We're at APF 2018 on stand H3, round the corner from Honey Brothers and next to AUS - Come and say hello, grab a copy of new Biosecurity Guidance Note for £5 - only at APF. The new Application of Biosecurity Guidance provides best practice guidance for Arborists any role in arboriculture, from practical application to policy advisors. It's also available as a free ebook here: https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Biosecurity ArbAC Accreditations Manager Paul Smith will be there Friday and Saturday

The 2018 UK & Ireland Tree Climbing Competition starts at 09.30am tomorrow at the University of Exeter. The Masters Final takes place at 09.30 on Sunday morning. If anyone would like to come along to spectate and cheer along our climbers the Venue Map, Directions and Schedule are all available in the joining instructions here: https://www.trees.org.uk/Trees.org.uk/files/3f/3fa29352-4a00-40c8-b81e-08c2a1185e3a.pdf Hope to see some of you there! Thanks, Steve

Hi Folks, Just wanted to let you know that you can now download the Soils & Trees Conference App to find out everything you need to know about the Conference Schedule, who’s Exhibiting and where everything is all in one place. DOWNLOAD HERE: https://crowd.cc/s/20Tzm The Conference App enables you to make the most out of your event experience; bookmark your must-see speakers and exhibitors or plan your schedule. Book your place: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Ev…/Amenity-Conference

Hi Folks, Just wanted to let you know that you can now download the Soils & Trees Conference App to find out everything you need to know about the Conference Schedule, who’s Exhibiting and where everything is all in one place. DOWNLOAD HERE: https://crowd.cc/s/20Tzm The Conference App enables you to make the most out of your event experience; bookmark your must-see speakers and exhibitors or plan your schedule. Book your place: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Ev…/Amenity-Conference

Hi all, Online booking is open for the 2018 UK & Ireland Tree Climbing Competition, sponsored by Husqvarna. We've already got a great field of competitors registered and some excellent prizes from Marlow, Haecksler, Husqvarna and more. Book your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2018-uk-ireland-tree-climbing-competition-tickets-46366617802 Competition preview: https://www.trees.org.uk/News-Blog/Latest-News/UK-Ireland-Tree-Climbing-Competition-Returns-to More about the competition: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-Events/Climbing-Competitions/UK-Ireland-Tree-Climbing-Competition The UK & Ireland Climbing Competition has been running since 1995 as part of a global series that provides competitive and educational opportunities for working arborists to demonstrate and exchange new climbing techniques, increase industry interaction and provide positive public exposure for the profession. The highest placed finishers qualify for the following years’ European Tree Climbing Championships in Germany and are also eligible for the International Tree Climbing Championship.

Just a reminder that the Early Bird Discount for 'Soils & Trees - Standing your Ground' ends next Friday 10th August. Save up to 24% on your place before the deadline. See the timetable, speakers and book here: https://www.trees.org.uk/Amenity-Conference Soils and their importance have come into focus in recent years and understanding their science is increasingly recognised as critical to improving the establishment and growth of trees, whatever their setting. For professionals involved in the care and cultivation of amenity trees, Arboriculture begins and ends with the soil. Read our speaker spotlight preview: https://www.trees.org.uk/News-Blog/Latest-News/Soils-Trees-Conference-Speaker-Spotlights More training and events for arborists here: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events Thanks

Hi Folks, Just a reminder that the Early Bird Discount for 'Soils & Trees - Standing your Ground' ends next Friday 10th August. Save up to 24% on your place before the deadline. See the timetable, speakers and book here: https://www.trees.org.uk/Amenity-Conference Read our speaker spotlight preview: https://www.trees.org.uk/News-Blog/Latest-News/Soils-Trees-Conference-Speaker-Spotlights More training and events for arborists here: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events Thanks

Hi, The AA bookshop stocks a lot of the Mattheck books and the guides to Fungi on Trees and Tree Pests & Diseases are our bestsellers: https://www.trees.org.uk/Book-Shop Various others like Managing Insects and Mites on Woody Plants may come in handy too. Thanks, Steve

Hello folks, Just wanted to make everyone aware of this new course. Undertaking Aerial Inspections Wokingham - 5th July 2018 Booking: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=81EDE73E-D360-480A-BCF7-72ADFB1BC94D Simon Cox and Paul Melarange deliver this new hands-on training course. With a mix of classroom and practical by the end of the course you will be able to: - Explain the importance the aerial operative and scribe have in recording accurate data. - Explain different aerial inspection types. - Assist with and complete an aerial inspection to include tree climbing and recording measurements. - Complete an aerial inspection proforma. - Highlight operational requirements and equipment for undertaking aerial inspections Delegates are expected to participate in the day by climbing a tree to undertake an aerial inspection and must: be certificated in tree climbing and aerial rescue (photocard or certificate to be shown on the day) have a fit for purpose, and thorough LOLER inspected, tree climbing kit (evidence will be required) Simon Cox, who is instructing this first course with Paul, provides some additional context: "The most useful thing I can say about this course is that it's intended for people who have passed the Professional Tree Inspection (PTI) and still climb (or still have the ability to climb might be a better way to put it). So, it's pitched as a next step for some arbs after PTI. If that's you and you want to spend the day around like-minded people, come along." The new course will go into detail on the following areas: - A reminder of PTI standards for inspectors. Clear and concise observations, findings and comments - Explaining inspection types and understanding specifications for aerial inspections - The power of photographs and sketches - Explanation of the Guidance note proforma - Equipment requirements and uses - Discussion and demonstration of inspection features including of cracks/splits, cavities, weak forks, and missing bark for different inspection types - Operation requirements for aerial inspections. This will include a risk assessment and briefing for the afternoon exercise and kit checks - Demonstration of aerial inspection. Instructor taking measurements with delegates recording information on proforma - Tree climbing exercise. Delegates to measure and record one tree each in teams - Bracing – Function and integrity

Hazard Tree Inspection – A Practitioner’s Guide (2 day Course) 19-20 September 2018, Stirling After a hugely successful first event in 2017 Hazard Tree Inspection returns to the Arboricultural Association Scotland Branch. This practical course is aimed at: ensuring participants are aware of current accepted industry approaches to hazard tree inspection; reviewing the significance of defect features and wood decay fungi and working towards the collection and presentation of appropriate data and defensible feedback for submission in a professional report format along with the creation of an online “Google Map” of surveyed trees. This is a fantastic opportunity for members and non members in Scotland at just £180 for 2 days of excellent CPD! Booking is available now: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=785B01CD-F4D3-4416-A291-0DBE10EF16C0

Hi Folks, Don't forget to cast your vote to name the ARB Show Ale and Cider! https://poll.fbapp.io/name-the-ale-cider-arb-show-2018 See you at the Stroud Brewery bar for a pint of Risk Assessment... Thanks,