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Merrist Wood College still has places available on it's Tree Surgery for Craftsmen course! This 9 week courses, starting on Monday 17 September, consists of two theory days and three practical days per week. Topics include: Tree work operations Tree removal Pruning Preventative and remedial work Ground work Tree biology Soils Pests and diseases Tree knowledge Tree work machinery Chainsaws Specialised tree machinery First Aid at Work (including First Aid for Forestry) And more! For more information (including fees) or to apply, please visit: https://www.merristwood.ac.uk/CourseInformation/ShortCourseDetails.aspx/727000234066644/Arboriculture & Forestry Merrist Wood College in Worplesdon, Surrey (near Guildford) is celebrating 50 years of teaching Arboriculture!

Hi everyone I am new to the site. I am 32 years old, I live in Liverpool and I am thinking of leaving my well paid office job and get myself a trade in becoming an Aborist. I am currently earning 40k a year and I am aware that I will have to take a big dip or even cut in half my salary by making this career choice. Some of you may think I am mad but I am really tired of the office politics and sitting behind a desk all day. I feel really connected with nature and this, I am not new to hard graft I used to work on sites building universities and hotels as a labourer but never actually had a trade behind me. My plan is to get a month intensive training from Kingswood training centre in Kent which do a full starter course which gives me... NPTC 201/202/203 (CS30/31) – 5-day Lantra Chainsaw Maint. Cross Cutting and Felling of Trees (up to 380mm) plus NPTC Assess NPTC 206/306 (CS38) – 5-day Lantra Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue – plus NPTC Assess NPTC 308 (CS39) – 2-day Using Chainsaw from Rope and Harness – plus NPTC Assess Stumpgrinder – 1 day Lantra or NPTC Woodchipper – 1 day Lantra or NPTC Basic Tree Inspection (BTI) – Lantra Qualification Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – OFFQUAL I know having the tickets is only half the battle and what employers want is good experience. I know its not going to be easy. I am worried about not finding work due to my experience after forking out 3 grand on the course. I would just like peoples thoughts on this who have experience in the business, especially those starting in their early 30s. The money is secondary to me and job satisfaction is more important to me now. The idea of maybe one day having my own business and this line of work which has so many aspects to it is exciting to me. I would love to know peoples feelings on being an arborist, does anyone hate the job? if so why? do you love it? what would you do differently if you started up again? Look forward to hearing your thoughts

Hello Hello I've been working in the industry for around 3 years now and I'm in my second year of studying Arb' at Inverness Forestry College. I've been a member of the Arboriculture Association for almost two years and it seems to me that we never seem to have any training/workshops/talks etc from the AA North of the central belt. (Please correct me if I'm wrong.) As a student/arborist in training I would love to attend many of the events/training that the AA put on but the nearest are in Edinburgh or similar. I'm based out of Aberdeenshire so once you include the cost of the course, travel, accommodation (depending on times) and the loss of a days work then it's just too much money. I know guys working full time who are not happy with this either. So I'm hoping some of you will help me change that... I've been in contact with Duncan Slater about giving his Tree Fork Assessment workshop at the Scottish School of Forestry in Culloden. He is willing to do so but his funding comes from the AA. He has passed me the contact details of the relevant person at the AA so I can request that they put on the workshop. I feel the request will be better received if I already have evidence of a wider interest for the workshop to go ahead. Here's a link to an article about Duncans' work: https://www.trees.org.uk/News-Blog/Branch-News/Assessment-of-Tree-Fork-Workshops-announced One of the guys I work for has been to the workshop and highly recommended it to me, which makes me feel it is worth the effort. If any of you are interested can you comment below so that I can gauge how much support there is for this to go ahead. I feel once we've had a successful workshop we may be able to open the gates for more! I'd love to hear your thoughts either way. Cheers in advance Amy

Hello to our ARB Talkers in Scotland, Hopefully some of you enjoyed the recent Scotland Branch Lecutres and AGM Event. We're pleased to confirm the first 2 Arboricultural Association Training courses of the year, taking place at Inverness College. Paul Smith will run a Free 'ARB Approved Contractor Workshop' on Tuesday 20th March: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=BA7A5FBD-444C-4C68-977F-4212BBB9A379 Then on 21st March Paul will instruct one of our most popular courses 'BS3998:2010 Tree Work Recommendations': https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=7144A50C-D042-41A9-9FA8-F47FAA69B6B6 There will be more courses added by the AA Scotland Branch throughout 2018, but if these are well attended then we'll have the backing to facilitate more events in Inverness and further afield. If there's something you'd like to see then don't forget to take the Scotland Branch Training Survey and let us know: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SJZ68TW Finally if you'd like to get more involved with the Branch then please contact a representative: https://www.trees.org.uk/Branches/Scotland They are a passionate and friendly bunch, the branch gained an unprecedented 30 new members last year so it's a great time to get involved. Many Thanks, Steve

Hello to our ARB Talkers in Scotland, Hopefully some of you enjoyed the recent Scotland Branch Lecutres and AGM Event. We're pleased to confirm the first 2 Arboricultural Association Training courses of the year, taking place at Inverness College. Paul Smith will run a Free 'ARB Approved Contractor Workshop' on Tuesday 20th March: https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=BA7A5FBD-444C-4C68-977F-4212BBB9A379 Then on 21st March Paul will instruct one of our most popular courses 'BS3998:2010 Tree Work Recommendations': https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=7144A50C-D042-41A9-9FA8-F47FAA69B6B6 There will be more courses added by the AA Scotland Branch throughout 2018, but if these are well attended then we'll have the backing to facilitate more events in Inverness and further afield. If there's something you'd like to see then don't forget to take the Scotland Branch Training Survey and let us know: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SJZ68TW Finally if you'd like to get more involved with the Branch then please contact a representative: https://www.trees.org.uk/Branches/Scotland They are a passionate and friendly bunch, the branch gained an unprecedented 30 new members last year so it's a great time to get involved. Many Thanks, Steve

Hi, We are running a Thorough Examination of Arboricultural Equipment Training course followed by the City & Guilds NPTC assessment. 3 days training and 1 day assessment. 12th - 15th December. £650.00 including assessment. Run at Arbor Venture Training based in Hampshire. Contact the office to book your place or if you have questions. 01590 683540. [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/events/865910100231721/

Hi, In the coming weeks my employers are putting me through my cs39 but it is just the exam. Was wondering if anyone had a pdf version of the training handbook thing so i could have a quick read up of it? Thanks in advance

Could anybody enlighten me on the following? I have a tree Team who need to do a series of Refresher Training asap, they have recently completed their Windblown and Medium felling (002102)tickets, question is do they still need to renew their CS 30/31 tickets as well? Surely the training activity supersedes the lower level competencies, as it is listed at Level 3? Any help/feedback greatly accepted?!!!

This is the 10th anniversary of the International Arboriculture Summit. Hosted by the Institute of Arboriculture Studies (Hong Kong) and co-organized by the Institute of Vocational Education, the theme of this year's summit is: "Celebrating our Trees - Developing Holistic Arboriculture Practitioners to Preserve and Protect" with keynote educator Dr. John Ball. Additional educators include Dr. Rich Hauer, Mark Duntemann, Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, Dr. Duncan Slater, Dr. Brian Kane, Frank Rinn, Dr. Giovanni Morelli, Dr. Kathleen Wolf, and Peter Macdonagh. The 3 days will consist of 11 internationally acclaimed speakers, dozens of topics, 35 hours of potential CEUs through lecture and field training. Topics will be related to tree risk assessment, tree biomechanics, tree health care, technical diagnostic methods of assessment, tree pruning, tree support systems, human health benefits, and much more. Summit Venue: Institute of Vocational Education - Shatin Campus, HONG KONG Convenient location near the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) Who Should Attend? Each year, we are pleased to have attendees from all around the Asian region. This includes individuals from both government and private sectors – tree and forest consultants, landscape architects, city planners, environmental managers of the construction industry, forest researchers, arboriculture educators, landscapers, private business owners, arborists, urban foresters, and government staff of various levels and countries. If trees are a part of your passion or career, you should attend. Come take an "Eduvacation!" For those attending from abroad, hotels are available nearby. We encourage you to come and experience Hong Kong meanwhile attending the conference to learn from some of the greatest educators of the arboriculture industry! What to Expect at the Summit The summit will consist of both indoor lecture and outdoor field training. Lectures will be supported by powerpoint slides. There will also be plenty of time for question and answer as well as networking opportunities. For field training, groups will go outside to view and discuss trees on the campus. IVE has a few hundred trees, so the lecturers will have many real examples for discussion and interaction. IASHK Mission Like a tree, Arboriculture Methodology is constantly changing and growing. Researchers, educators, and experts from around the world work together to test new theories and new practices and to disseminate these new findings to arborists around the world. The purpose of the International Arboriculture Summit is to help present those new practices and technology together with the core fundamentals of arboriculture to the arborists within our region, so that we all may grow together in our own understanding and practice. The website includes all the details - speaker bios, lecture abstracts, summit schedule, hotels nearby, transportation instructions, and of course registration (online and offline options are available). www.ias.hk IASHK was founded by Don Picker and Jon Picker in 2008.

This is the 10th anniversary of the International Arboriculture Summit. Hosted by the Institute of Arboriculture Studies (Hong Kong) and co-organized by the Institute of Vocational Education, the theme of this year's summit is: "Celebrating our Trees - Developing Holistic Arboriculture Practitioners to Preserve and Protect" with keynote educator Dr. John Ball. Additional educators include Dr. Rich Hauer, Mark Duntemann, Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, Dr. Duncan Slater, Dr. Brian Kane, Frank Rinn, Dr. Giovanni Morelli, Dr. Kathleen Wolf, and Peter Macdonagh. The 3 days will consist of 11 internationally acclaimed speakers, dozens of topics, 35 hours of potential CEUs through lecture and field training. Topics will be related to tree risk assessment, tree biomechanics, tree health care, technical diagnostic methods of assessment, tree pruning, tree support systems, human health benefits, and much more. Summit Venue: Institute of Vocational Education - Shatin Campus, HONG KONG Convenient location near the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) Who Should Attend? Each year, we are pleased to have attendees from all around the Asian region. This includes individuals from both government and private sectors – tree and forest consultants, landscape architects, city planners, environmental managers of the construction industry, forest researchers, arboriculture educators, landscapers, private business owners, arborists, urban foresters, and government staff of various levels and countries. If trees are a part of your passion or career, you should attend. Come take an "Eduvacation!" For those attending from abroad, hotels are available nearby. We encourage you to come and experience Hong Kong meanwhile attending the conference to learn from some of the greatest educators of the arboriculture industry! What to Expect at the Summit The summit will consist of both indoor lecture and outdoor field training. Lectures will be supported by powerpoint slides. There will also be plenty of time for question and answer as well as networking opportunities. For field training, groups will go outside to view and discuss trees on the campus. IVE has a few hundred trees, so the lecturers will have many real examples for discussion and interaction. IASHK Mission Like a tree, Arboriculture Methodology is constantly changing and growing. Researchers, educators, and experts from around the world work together to test new theories and new practices and to disseminate these new findings to arborists around the world. The purpose of the International Arboriculture Summit is to help present those new practices and technology together with the core fundamentals of arboriculture to the arborists within our region, so that we all may grow together in our own understanding and practice. The website includes all the details - speaker bios, lecture abstracts, summit schedule, hotels nearby, transportation instructions, and of course registration (online and offline options are available). www.ias.hk IASHK was founded by Don Picker and Jon Picker in 2008.

Hi everyone my question to you guys is AM I READY???? .I trained in caple manor in 2001/2 and got my amenity level two cert, since then i have been a working tree surgeon, done most things and seen what i would say alot of sketchy jobs and of course lots of leylandii.... 2 yrs ago got a job with a local authority on there tree crew, now they want to put me on this course. im not sure if i would have the required textbook knowledge to complete the 3 day course .....advice and recommendations welcome

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 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 all, I'm confusing myself with all the new NPTC course names, of course most are self explanatory but there are some almost duplicate entries that I wouldn't mind a training provider (or student!) making a little clearer if possible. I'm about to undertake some some intensive Arb courses and want to prioritise what is the 'better' award, and what is just overkill for an entry level climber. Firstly, what does this compare to in terms of CS? It's only a level 2 award and I thought this was covered by the level 3's aerial pruning, using a chainsaw in a harness and cutting using free fall techniques > 002005 City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Branch Removal and Crown Breakdown using a Chainsaw (QCF) There are two rescue courses now, is the level 3 worth the extra time money (obviously more rescue training can never be a bad thing, but in terms of employability )? > 002013 City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Tree Climbing and Rescue (QCF) > 002106 City & Guilds NPTC Level 3 Award in Aerial Tree Rescue Operations (QCF) And lastly, what is this? Is it groundie rigging based or general site stuff? > 002008 City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Supporting Colleagues Undertaking Off Ground Tree Related Operations (QCF) Thanks in advance!

Good evening all, new to site and first post If this is not in right section please move. As my title suggests I am one of those people looking for more information with regards to tree work and furthering my business. I will give a little back ground first which hopefully will assist with any answers / questions that may come from you more experienced people. I have been around gardening all my life with my father and both uncles all in the trade so to speak - I didn't take after them and went into the plod for 11 years, however times changed in the force and I wanted to be outside more often as I really did miss it and probably didn't give it enough time when I was younger. Fast forward...... I currently have a garden maintenance company with one full time employee, the business is doing well and we are growing after four years in May. We have just VAT and with most my domestic customers taking the hit. Over time we have conducted the odd tree job - nothing major as such - pollarding, fruit tree pruning and other conifer jobs, coupe of take downs and tops out of trees. The work has been great and a nice addition to the portfolio. However we are getting more and more requests and with out estimating, now this could because we are doing it a little cheaper than most (not intentional) or we are doing a good job. Either way I am not complaining. The issue I have is that I am although not scared of height and happy to climb am not trained in any way. Is it worth me spending the money of training etc to be a climber? or do the basic tickets as a ground person and employee a climber when I need them. My uncle ran his business in this way for many years as he could not even stand on a step ladder! Again is it worth buying a chipper and a small arm truck and using it this way and do a 50 50 split? There are numerous other questions to ask but I will get onto them as responses come in I guess. Thoughts / advice / discouragement all welcome R

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, I am running a course with Cumbria Woodlands on Bats and Trees, this December. It's targeted at Arbs and Woodland Managers etc and aims to show people how to risk assess trees for bats when undertaking tree surveys or pre-felling checks. We cover; where bats live, what to look for, how to rule features out, how you'd know if a bat was using a tree and what to do if you do encounter bats. It will be held in South Cumbria, within easy reach of the M6, and is only one day long. At the end you get a CPD certificate. You can find the rest of the details here Bats and Trees | Courses & Events | Cumbria Woodlands Cheers, Rich

Practice & training sessions are available at our tree climbing centre in the Vale of Glamorgan. With comprehensive and challenging elements installed, you can hone your climbing skills in perfect surroundings. On site facilities include toilets, cafeteria & bunkhouse accommodation. Please visit our website: http://www.treetopchallenge.co.uk or contact [email protected] Tel: 0800 644 4440

I'm an ecologist that performs aerial tree inspections for bats. I currently hold CS 38 (since 2009) but am looking for somewhere in East Yorkshire (will travel further if needed) that can provide a refresher course so that I can carry out some CPD. I managed to break my leg about 14 months ago and haven't been up a tree in that time. I'm about fit enough to climb again and would really like to not just have a refresher but really get better at climbing. Your recommendations are welcomed. Typsey

Hi All, I am in need of someone who can offer a block of training in following NPTC units; NPTC Course code-2549 (aerial tree rescue operations), 2554 (chainsaw from a mewp), 2552 (rigging), first aid, 2543 (felling trees over 380) and possible refresh in new tree climbing techniques. I hold all old NPTC units (aerial rescue, chainsaw use in tee, felling) but would like to renew the units below as I haven’t climbed for a while. The problem is I will be coming from Hong Kong and would need them in a block session as soon as possible. Anywhere between Brighton and London would be good. I have emailed Scott Fraser and GMarbtrees so far. Any help would be great!! thanks

Check out our series of SRT video tutorials. SRT Tutorials - Treekit Arb Blog, Courses and Workshops [ame] [/ame]

Upcoming courses with BTS Training.

This is integrated training and assessment to achieve a NPTC Award in Felling and Processing Trees over 380mm. 21-23rd December 2015. One space available for £425 + VAT. Contact BTS training ladies to book the last spot 01449 720330 or email [email protected]

Hi there I am currently working as a self employed electrician, however am desperate for a career change to the Arb/forestry industry. I have experience on the saw, working with a friend of mine on a few brashing jobs, and have my own saw and PPE, along with my own van. I am based in Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders however will travel for work quite happily. I am looking for either some experience as I work towards gaining my tickets, or the opportunity of an apprenticeship or trainee groundsman position, with the intention of progressing towards a climber. Any and all pointers or help would be massively appreciated. Thank you in advance J. Russell 07588212721 [email protected]