Q. What qualifications route did you take to realise your career in arboriculture and tree surgery?

I have done many of the CS ‘tickets’, in topics such as climbing and chainsaw handling, that I train students for. I have to hold all the relevant qualifications I train. I had worked in the arboriculture trade for a few years before gaining any qualifications. I came to Capel Manor to do my first, a City and Guilds in Arboriculture, way back in the 1980s. Since then I have become a LANTRA registered trainer and an NPTC registered assessor for both ground and aerial chainsaw units. I also have a BSc in Conservation and Environmental Management, and have taught full time Countryside Management courses at Capel Manor.

Q. Please explain in detail what students will learn during this Arboriculture and Tree Surgery course.

Students learn the safe use of chainsaws both on the ground and in trees. Some courses will include tree-climbing techniques and rescuing injured climbers. Other courses I have taught involve all aspects of tree management and range from tree biology and pests and diseases to woodland ecology and management.

Q. What’s the first thing you teach your students?

This would depend on the course. For courses on arboriculture and tree surgery, chainsaw maintenance and simple crosscutting of timber to start, progressing onto the felling of trees. Others start with safe tree climbing techniques.

Q. What qualities do you need to succeed in the arboriculture and tree surgery industry?

Fitness, and being prepared for hard work. Because so many of the jobs are dangerous if done incorrectly candidates need to be clear thinking, and happy to work in a team.

Q. What are the benefits of studying arboriculture and tree surgery?

There are so many benefits it is hard to know where to begin!  The subject can lead you in so many directions. The work of an arborist is challenging and keeps you fit. Each piece of work you do is different and has to be thought through carefully. Working on trees while retaining the natural appearance of the species is quite an art. Later many people move into managing trees, this may be woodlands or urban trees.

Q. Please explain why you love your arboriculture and tree surgery.

Working in arboriculture can take you from the excitement and physical challenge of climbing and working in trees to the quiet enjoyment of woodland ecology. In my own case I started as a climber, discovered woodland management, was led into countryside management and the wider ecology of the countryside. Now I am back teaching chainsaw use and in the process participating in the management of both woodlands and parkland trees. For someone who loves the outdoors and trees it can’t get better!

Q. What skills do your students have by the end of the course?

Students will have a range of skills depending on which courses they have done. Typically students can use a chainsaw to fell trees and climb, and use a chainsaw in a tree.

Q. What do students normally do once they’ve finished their course?

Most students go to work in amenity arboriculture. Some work in the countryside on various nature reserves and for wildlife trusts. Others may use the qualifications to expand the services they offer, for example gardeners and hard landscapers who don’t want to sub contract work to others.

Q. What’s the best way to go about getting a job in this industry?

Taking some of the NPTC assessments that we train for is one of the best starts. Employers and insurance companies, local authorities and others tend to specify these qualifications when seeking a standard of competence.

Q. What advice do you have for people interested in studying an arboriculture and tree surgery course?

Come to one of our advice sessions or open days or have a look at the Capel Manor page to see the range of courses we offer. These include everything from short courses to full time courses and apprenticeships.