Stephen Arb Association

Hi All, To celebrate International Women's Day we're pleased to announce the formation of a new 'Women in Arboriculture Working Group'. All are welcome so please contact [email protected] to get involved! Find out more about the new working group and read some inspirational interviews with Women in Arboriculture here: https://www.trees.org.uk/News-Blog/Latest-News/Women-in-Arboriculture-Working-Group-Launched Thanks, Steve

We started using Facebook advertising more widely in 2017 and it's been fantastic for us so far. Obviously we're a bit different but I thought i'd share the experience as a lot of it applies. I don't think it will ever replace websites but along with google and SEO work it's the best way to drive leads to your site and promote awareness of your brand. In previous years we've had to cancel a few Training Courses due to low numbers, these days we stick it on Facebook and we're able to target within a radius of the event location people with interests, job type, fields of study. The result has been no cancellations and higher numbers of delegates with courses filling up quicker. It also worked well for Arb Show and a photo competition as well as some promotion of the ArbAC scheme. If you have an idea of what your main target audience is, where they're based and what interests they might have then you can do some really productive targeted advertising, which comes with detailed analytics on age, gender, cost per click, ad relevance etc. It definitely helps if you've got some sort of help and advice content which is useful for the customer - boost that as a post, then you'll get more followers and leads than straight up sales posts. If it's all selling or promoting the business then it puts you off. Generally we try to post content that's of interest to arbs and some public tree interest stories, along with 1 or 2 key things going on within the organisation each week. The key is to make your page worthy of following with helpful content and stuff that customers can connect with - stories about team members maybe. The other positive with Facebook advertising (along with it being very cheap for what it does at the moment) is that it connects the right people with your page - our page likes have gone from 5500 in January to almost 10,000. You can work out the best time to schedule your posts so they are seen when most of your followers are online (our main times are 7-9am and 7-10pm). Despite the reviews this Page Manager App is a fantastic tool for managing and scheduling everything: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/facebook-pages-manager/id514643583?mt=8 And the Advert manager is the best way for tracking your boosted posts and page promotions, i'd highly recommend both as they are intuitive and it's easy to add budget and edit your audiences. Advert manager audiences are easier to create on the desktop version though. (Both apps available on Android) https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/facebook-ads-manager/id964397083?mt=8 Also thought i'd add that Facebook are currently trialing a News Feed that only displays sponsored/promoted content in 6 countries. I personally think it's a terrible idea and would put users off - you like pages so you see their content in your news feed, but obviously they want to make more money from it. But watch out, as with all things Facebook they are often changing and updating the way it works. Hope this helps Steve (AA Marketing Officer)

Your Last Chance to save up to 19% Biosecurity: Protect & Survive 10th–13th September 2017, The University of Exeter Book Now: https://www.trees.org.uk/Amenity-Conference View the Full Lineup: https://www.trees.org.uk/Amenity-Conference/Conference-Timetable For the first international Conference on Arboricultural biosecurity The Arboricultural Association have gathered a diverse array of 38 speaker sessions including 10 prominent international speakers to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of new research, developments and solutions. Day Two in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management Diversity, Ecology and Tree Selection Environmental Management in Practice Biomechanics and Morphology Tuesdays Conference schedule is presented in partnership with The Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management. This brings expert speakers with a wider perspective than just the arboricultural view; with experiences shared from the ecology sector and the chance for delegates to network, discover new challenges, ideas and innovative solutions. Also Featuring Sunday Field Trip to Killerton Estate International Climbing Competition Exhibitors Awards Dinner with Matt Wells Speaking Stunning Venue Conference App Coming Soon Any questions please let me know or give us a ring 01242 522152 Thanks, Steve

Your Last Chance to save up to 19% Biosecurity: Protect & Survive 10th–13th September 2017, The University of Exeter Book Now: https://www.trees.org.uk/Amenity-Conference For the first international Conference on Arboricultural biosecurity The Arboricultural Association have gathered a diverse array of 38 speaker sessions including 10 prominent international speakers to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of new research, developments and solutions. Day Two in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management Diversity, Ecology and Tree Selection Environmental Management in Practice Biomechanics and Morphology Tuesdays Conference schedule is presented in partnership with The Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management. This brings expert speakers with a wider perspective than just the arboricultural view; with experiences shared from the ecology sector and the chance for delegates to network, discover new challenges, ideas and innovative solutions. Also Featuring Sunday Field Trip to Killerton Estate International Climbing Competition Exhibitors Awards Dinner with Matt Wells Speaking Stunning Venue Conference App Coming Soon

Hi Arbtalkers, Just thought I'd let everyone know that booking is open for the UK & Ireland Open Tree Climbing Competition 2017. Everything you need to know about booking and the events involved is here: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-Events/Climbing-Competitions/UK-Ireland-Open-Tree-Climbing-Competition Eligible winners and high placed competitors can go on to represent the UK and Ireland at the International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) and European Tree Climbing Championship (ETCC). The organising team are also looking for volunteers who can join in the following roles: • Event Head Judge • Event Timer • Event Technician • Assisting with set up Any questions let me know. Hope to see some of you there! Steve

Hi All, Just thought I'd share our new digital magazine with everyone. Hey it only took us 177 issues... This version is open to all so please enjoy 90 plus pages of great content - future digital issues will be for members only. Digital ARB Mag - Summer Any questions or niggles give me a shout - there's bound to be improvements for the Autumn Issue. Thanks, Steve

Hi Guys, 2 great courses coming up in June for any South West Arbs out there looking to either take their business forward or update their SRT knowledge... Arboricultural Business Basics - 20th-21st June - With Paul Elcoat Using presentations and open discussion you will be well placed to reflect upon the position and performance of your business in today’s competitive market place. You will have the opportunity to discuss their own situations with Paul Elcoat, MD of Elcoat Ltd who has first-hand ‘trouble shooting experience’ of around 200 arboricultural contracting businesses and Simon Cox, one of the Associations’ Technical Officers with experience in commercial contracting operations. Venue: Stonehouse Court Hotel, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire Stationary Rope Technique - 22nd June 2017 - With Scott Fraser Calling all climbers! Don’t miss out on this great SRT event in a stunning venue… A 1-day course organised by the AA Western Branch at the beautiful Buckfast Abbey, with Scott Fraser. This event will cover the theory, history and background of Stationary Rope Technique before moving on to practical demonstrations and application in the afternoon. The course provides information on significant hazards, components their selection and configuration and forces upon anchors. Thursday 22nd June £60

Hi Guys, 2 great courses coming up in June for any South West Arbs out there looking to either take their business forward or update their SRT knowledge... Arboricultural Business Basics - 20th-21st June - With Paul Elcoat Using presentations and open discussion you will be well placed to reflect upon the position and performance of your business in today’s competitive market place. You will have the opportunity to discuss their own situations with Paul Elcoat, MD of Elcoat Ltd who has first-hand trouble shooting experience of around 200 arboricultural contracting businesses and Simon Cox, one of the Associations Technical Officers with experience in commercial contracting operations. Venue: Stonehouse Court Hotel, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire Stationary Rope Technique - 22nd June 2017 - With Scott Fraser Calling all climbers! Don’t miss out on this great SRT event in a stunning venue… A 1-day course organised by the AA Western Branch at the beautiful Buckfast Abbey, with Scott Fraser. This event will cover the theory, history and background of Stationary Rope Technique before moving on to practical demonstrations and application in the afternoon. The course provides information on significant hazards, components their selection and configuration and forces upon anchors. Thursday 22nd June £60

Hi Djvicke1 I believe the competition is usually set up across 2 or 3 trees. Definitely not one, as the tasks and set up is different. There are 20 slots for Novice and Expert each day (Friday Expert is fully booked I believe) and 5 slots each day for Premier Climbers. The ARB Show Timetable is available, plenty to see alongside the usually shiny new things: Arboricultural Association - ARB Show Timetable

Hi Chris Once you've logged in to your membership account if you go here: Arboricultural Association - Membership Information Then click on the last option in the right hand column 'Member Logos' You'll be able to access and download the logo in various formats including JPEG. Give me a shout if you have any problems or give us a call on 01242 522152 and we can always e-mail it over. Best regards, Steve

Hi Arbtalkers ARB Show 2017 - 12th/13th May Just to let you know you can now book your tickets for ARB Show camping for the Friday and Saturday night at The Holford arms. https://billetto.co.uk/en/events/arb-show-2017-12th-to-13th-may-camping-and-after-party-the-holford-arms Its a very short drive from the campsite and they are putting on a hog roast, live music and outside bar on the Friday night. Camping was really popular last year so make sure you book in advance, we wouldn't want them running out of ale. You can buy a ticket for both nights or individual Friday or Saturday tickets. Just to be clear The Holford Arms will be handling the booking so any questions relating to the campsite give them a ring on 01454 238669 Book Here

ISA Certifications Advice The AA is pleased to announce new resources to assist with ISA Certifications, including exams dates for ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®, the highest level of certification offered by ISA. 8 April 2017, Enfield, Middlesex 21 October 2017, Enfield, Middlesex Candidates for this exam must book through ISA International as part of their application process. No booking is possible via the Arboricultural Association. ISA READ MORE ABOUT CERTIFICATION AA Achieves CEU Recognition for Training Courses In another step forward we’ve gained recognition with CEU values now assigned to all our UK training courses. See below for a list of commonly run courses in the UK and their CEU values. Arboricultural Association awarded courses will have CEU codes placed on the certificates of attendance. You can then use these to upload on to your ISA CEU Page. The AA is not administering the CEU process, just assisting the ISA, so it is the ISA member’s responsibility to make sure their CEU records are up to date with ISA International. Get the lowdown on CEU’s here with our handy guide

Hi All Just a note for the calendars and diaries for next year: ARB Show 2017 will be held at Westonbirt for a third year, this time we're moving inside the gates of the Arboretum and will be working with them to deliver our biggest show ever. We're hoping to put on some extra events including tours and talks with the Westonbirt Tree Team, a pest and disease walk alongside your favourite exhibitors and the traditional show attractions, climbing competitions and workshops. Ticket prices will be finalised soon and as with last year your ticket gets you FREE entry into the National Arboretum too. For this ARB Show we're introducing a free App which you'll be able to download before the event and we hope will enhance your show experience - giving you the ability to plan which exhibitors you want to catch up with, view their deals, navigate the show map and more. Any questions or feedback on what you'd like to see more of at ARB Show 2017 please let me know i'm keen to hear thoughts of all ARBTalkers. Arboricultural Association - The ARB Show Cheers, Steve

Just a reminder that we've only got 3 ROLO courses remaining this year: Bristol - 5th October, with Tony Lane https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=C8D58469-E045-4B6E-9F62-3C40B0B225A7 Leicester - 10th November, with Paul Smith https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=E77EA6F7-75BD-4579-9A5B-9F9285B69373 Stoneleigh, Warwickshire - 23rd November, with Chris Cooper-Abbs Arboricultural Association - Course Detail Members: £110 Non-Member: £150 These courses provide the core knowledge required to enter the ROLO Register and increase delegates awareness of health and safety issues in the landscaping and arboricultural industries. The course, accredited by BALI, with supporting student notes, provides information on the main features of the Acts, Approved Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes relevant to work situations within the landscaping and arboricultural industries. Book now online, or give us a call at HQ on 01242 522152 to enquire Thanks, Steve

Hello everyone Some of you may have already received this afternoons bulletin regarding Biosecurity, but I thought we'd best not forget our Arbtalkers Read/Download the full position statement: http://www.trees.org.uk/Trees.org.uk/files/05/058ddbef-7248-4403-9379-21a90b381137.pdf Share the statement: Arboricultural Association - Biosecurity in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Position Statement Many of our trees are under threat from the introduction and spread of imported pests and diseases. As an Association that champions the sustainable management of trees, for a sector that revolves around caring for trees, it is imperative that we acknowledge these threats and look at how we can all help to prevent or mitigate against them. The Arboricultural Association have made biosecurity a key area of focus for 2016. To build upon work we have already undertaken collaboratively with other organisations, we are pleased to introduce the Arboricultural Association’s ‘Biosecurity in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Position Statement’. This statement outlines some basic biosecurity principles that should be adopted to reduce the unwanted introduction and spread of tree pests, diseases and invasive tree species. This document is aimed at our members, those working in the sector, and those working across the wider industries that connect with arboriculture and urban forestry. It is not an answer to the biosecurity problems we face, but it is a beginning. It is a progressive, industry-led first step, looking to build upon all of the positive and forward thinking steps already undertaken by mainly governmental organisations to date. The statement has been developed by a team of AA members from different sectors. It aims to be relevant to all those working with trees, whether in a practical, production, tree management or consultancy role. It also supports the work already being undertaken by many of our members in raising awareness of biosecurity issues and threats and in implementing controls. The introduction and broadcasting of these principles are important developments and will pave the way for the production of further detailed guidance, and suggested requirements, for the industry. We are already working hard to help those who wish to implement company level biosecurity policy by producing a free to download outline document. Please keep an eye on the website for more information. We are exceptionally proud that this statement and its stated guiding principles have already been supported by the likes of: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Institute of Chartered Foresters, Forestry Commission, Kew Gardens, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Trees and Design Action Group, National Association of Tree Officers, and The Society of Garden Designers

Hi all, Just a heads up as there's less than a week left to claim the early bird discount for the 50th Arb Association Amenity Conference. Discount applies to members and non members, so book before Wednesday 3rd August to avoid disappointment. 4th-7th September 2016 The 50th anniversary of the Conference features a Sunday field trip to the University of Birmingham's ‘Free-Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment’ (FACE) Research project, as well as a packed lineup of speakers and a special collaborative day with the Landscape Institute.This is the first time we have collaborated on Conference and the day aims to introduce a new approach and recognise the benefits of sharing information, protocols and procedures, as well as making new business connections. Conference 2016 aims to help drive the sector toward a combined and unified voice in establishing, maintaining, protecting and promoting urban trees. See the full list of speakers and topics: Arboricultural Association - Keynote Speakers Monday: Arboricultural Association - Monday Speakers Tuesday: Arboricultural Association - Tuesday Speakers Wednesday: Arboricultural Association - Wednesday Speakers Find out more and Book: Arboricultural Association - Amenity Conference Sunday Field Trip information: Arboricultural Association - Sunday Field Trip Booking options and prices: Arboricultural Association - Booking Options & Prices Hope to see you there, any questions please give us a call 01242 522152 Cheers, Steve

Absolutely terrible abusive behaviour, the best thing to do with these type of attention seekers looking for a response is to ignore them and report the abusive comment to Facebook by clicking the small 'x' next to his comments and then clicking report - i've done so on 5 of his comments. You'd think the page administrator would also want to block people like that from the group.

Announcement for all our Approved Contractors: Please ignore any e-mails from 'BDC Magazine' They appear to have e-mailed all of you without our permission for advertising purposes, apparently twice in the past 3 days. They have also used our logo without our permission giving it the appearance of an AA sanctioned e-mail - which it most definitely is NOT I'm sorry for any inconvenience or bother caused by this, we have lodged a complaint with the company and will certainly not be doing an editorial in their magazine! It is clearly stated on the website that your details are listed for the purposes of customers only, so if you receive anything of this type - advertising, sales etc, purporting to be permitted by us then please let us know ASAP. Once again sorry for the bother and thanks for your time. Best regards, Stephen

30th JUNE that should be! Sorry!

Hi there, 30th July in Edinburgh is the Scottish Branch Trees and The Law Seminar with Charles Mynors and Jeremy Barrell. Still some places left here: Trees and the Law in Scotland Seminar. I don't think anything's been confirmed for later in the year yet, could be wrong though! Cheers, Stephen

Just thought i'd let everyone know the best options (assuming they aren't fully booked) price wise should be the premier inn near Stroud which is 20 mins drive away and 2 mins from the M5. The other option would be the Travelodge in Cirencester, which is also about 20 mins in the other direction from Westonbirt and around 10/15 mins from the M4. Those are the two nearest chains, failing that this link to hotels near Westonbirt on tripadvisor may help you find another: 30 Best Hotels near Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury on TripAdvisor - Compare 31 Westonbirt Arboretum Hotels in Tetbury Cheers, Steve

We've got quite a few more exhibitors (we're up to around 80 now) and on site events than in previous years - with the new expanded site and afterwards entry to the arboretum (half price £4.50 for you guys and worth it for the Japanese Maple collection alone imo) itself is a whole day out so this year should be well worth the two days. Obviously slight bias here though! BBQ and Live band at the campsite on Friday night.

Hey guys I just wanted to let you all know that Russell Ball is off on another bike challenge! This time he's cycling to four capital cities within the UK and Ireland planting trees in schools. I had a chat with Russ earlier while he was boarding the ferry to Scotland and he's making fantastic progress and on schedule to reach Edinburgh in the next couple of days. His passion and enthusiasm is infectious and it's great what he's doing here - So if you could support Russ in any way you can, even if its just a message to his facebook page, it's really inspirational what he's doing. Follow his facebook page to see how he's getting on, some great pics: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fund4Trees/673245742803794?fref=ts You can donate to fund4trees here:http://bit.ly/1EreUpZ Find out more about Russell and his incredible challenge here: Intrepid cyclist to visit four capital cities | Fund4Trees Thanks, Steve

Places still available for Saturday. More info here: Single Rope Technique Workshop

Hi We also have a ROLO course in Preston on 24th June: ROLO We also provide bespoke training courses for larger groups or companies. There is also a bit more info on ROLO in that link. But if you wanted a lot more detail there was an article in our last magazine which goes in depth. I could dig it out and scan the article. Thanks