Overview

After practical training in arboriculture, I worked part time for a local firm as an arborist. I started studying part time at my local college passing City & Guilds and RFS level 2 in 1999 & 2000. In 1999 I set up a contracting business and continued developing this over the next fifteen years, gaining skills knowledge and experience. I returned to studying in my spare time, to gain the AA Technicians Certificate in 2011, this time distance learning with Myerscough College. I then took a year to prepare, and in 2013 I started the level six diploma. During 2014 I ceased contracting to concentrate full time on consultancy. After completing the ABC level 6 Diploma in Arboriculture, in 2015, I was awarded the Lockhart Garrett Trophy for arboricultural excellence, to the outstanding student. I have been providing consultancy services to a range of clients both domestic and commercial since 2011. These services regularly include tree surveys and reports for planning and development, and tree and risk management purposes. As part of providing these services; I liaise with other professionals including architects, head teachers, school bursars, and engineers. I provide clear concise information in the form of written reports and ‘AutoCAD’ drawings. I have a good understanding of BS 5837:2012 and BS 3998:2010, and implementation of their recommendations. From October 2015 to November 2016 I worked with Hampshire County Council Highways’ arboriculture team, carrying out proactive tree inspections, recording survey data using GIS and ‘Ezytreev’ software systems, specifying tree works, and dealing with members of the public. I manage and prioritise my workload on a daily basis, and can work on my own initiative or as part of a team. I now have over 19 years of experience in arboriculture, and have been dealing with tree assessment throughout my career. In 2011, I attended and passed the LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection course. In 2017 I passed the ISA tree Risk Assessment Qualification adding to and updating my skills. I first joined the Arboricultural Association around 2000, becoming a technician member in 2011 and professional member in 2015. I became an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters in 2016, and was promoted to a professional member and Chartered Arboriculturist in 2018. My professional aspirations for the future include; working on some larger projects alongside eminent arboriculturists to broaden my experience; entering the realm of expert witness work and completing the Bond Solon training programme; writing a paper worthy of journal publication and conference presentation.