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Hello everyone, given I have been looking on the web for answers for days unsuccessfully, I thought I'd try my luck here. We are building an extension at the back of our house into our garden. After many back and forth, the council finally gave us approval if the following condition is met: -------- Prior to the commencement of the development an arboricultural tree report and tree protection plan shall be submitted through the submission of an application of approval of details to the Local Planning Authority. The details submitted should be in accordance with BS5837:2012. Reason: To safeguard existing trees on site and trees at neighbouring sites Reason for pre-commencement condition: These impacts can arise at any time -------- Rather happy about this outcome, we went ahead and hired a company to produce a Arboricultural Method Statement. First surprise was the cost, I was expecting £500, ended up paying £2,500 but I digress slightly... The massive surprise was the amount of work the report is saying we have to do prior to the construction work commencing, things such as: - Cutting down 3 trees, one of them is fine as it is close to the new foundation, but the others are at the back of our garden, 20 meters away from the site! - Demolition and excavation needs to be supervised by an arboricultural consultant. - Ground boarding needs to be provided - Protective Fencing need to be installed Not only all of this seem super excessive (and costly!), but more importantly, I am not interested in implementing all of this, I am happy to take a risk and potentially damage some of the trees in my garden. None of them being under Tree Protection Order by the way. The trees from the neighbours are far from the sites so nothing to worry about on this front. My questions are: - Am I being the victim of the company I hired for the AMS and they are trying to upsell me more services down the line? - Do I have to follow these recommendations to the letter? Or they are just recommendations and I am free to ignore them? Note the report is phrased in such a way that I am not allowed to commence the work if their instructions are not followed. (edit) I forgot to add I had a conversation with a representative in the company that produced the AMS and they mentioned that although none of my trees are under Tree Protection Order, the fact I am now going through planning application, it's apparently the same as if they were all under TPO...which means we have to comply with everything in the report. I have to admit something does not quite sound right to me....

Hey guys and gals, Just started up another company and looking for continued contract work with larger organisations within the utility ARB sector. I have two guys working for me both of which possess all of their UA tickets and climbing certificates. Ground Control have approached me, I just want your opinions, have any if you worked for them previously? If so what are they like? Be honest..

Hi Guys, i am thinking to to start my own business as an independent Arboricultural consultant. I have my qualifications 5 in arb all certs required for tree work and surveying + couple more, have experience from private and public sector from dragging branches, climbing trees, listening to mrs miggins complaints about overgrown trees all the way to development report writing and consulting. I have done some small jobs on myself as consultant and have all necessary equipment (pen, paper, dbh tape, hammer, excel, word and insurnance). I am looking for your opinion: if there is still a place for small independent consulting business in South East? Also if some of the owners of consulting businesses can spare some tips/ tricks how to start the business or what to avoid it would be much appreciated. Appreciate any advice!

Obtained my CS30 & 31 last year and am now seeking long term employment as a trainee or apprentice to further develop my skills and knowledge. I'd be particularly interested in an arboriculture/ tree surgeon type role however am interested in all areas of the industry including woodland management. The key for me is the chance to improve my skills and knowledge. I'm a young, fit 23 year old willing to get stuck in wherever needed. I live near Malton, North Yorkshire and would be willing to travel upto an hour for the right position. If anyone has any positions going or knows anyone who might be looking I'd hugely appreciate any opportunities or recommendations. Thanks Aaron

Treework Environmental Practice | Leading Arboricultural Consultants Job Title:Tree Surveyor Contract: 6 to 12 Months Salary: £17,500 – £23,000 Geographic Area: London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey Company: Treework Environmental Practice Opportunity to work with one of the UK’s leading Arboricultural Consultancies. The role consists of carrying out tree risk surveys & development site surveys. This role includes opportunities for a full time contract and to develop the role further to encompass, Arboricultural Consultancy, Veteran Tree Assessment, Regional Management and representing Treework Environmental Practice in the region. The successful applicants will have the following attributes: Essential: Level 3 QCF (or equivalent) minimum arboricultural qualification Experience and knowledge of Arboriculture Good understanding of MS office applications (minimum: Outlook, Word and Excel) Excellent self management skills Be able to work as part of a team Be adaptable, i.e. willing to carry out field work as well as desk work Be willing to travel in the UK to carry out surveys A clean driver's license Desirable: Experience of Tree Inventory Surveys Experience of collecting data using a hand–held computer Experience / training in quantified tree risk assessment method (e.g. QTRA, THREATS,etc.) Experience and knowledge of GIS Experience and knowledge of databases Experience and knowledge of AutoCAD Use of own vehicle for work travel If you are interested in this role please contact us via [email protected] with your covering letter and CV. No agencies please.