Overview

Since 2011, I have been a consultant working within several practices was the Director of my own company. My main duties include the preparation of arboricultural development reports that begin with a survey of all trees on and adjacent to the site considered to be in conflict with the proposed development plans. Compiling Pre-development Arboricultural Surveys and Tree Constraints Plans, Arboricultural Impact Assessment and draft Tree Protection Plan and an Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan. I have compiled a combination of all three reports or offered bespoke (letter style) documents to support applications. I provide verbal and written advice for difficult or complicated proposals prior to engaging in report writing. I seek advice from other experts in the disciplines I work within such as the Forestry Commission for P&D, or an arboretum for planting advice or trial reports, nurserymen for planting and landscaping ideas. I have made contact with national and international colleagues on instances of tree disease or latest trends. My clients have included statutory undertakers, domestic and commercial landowners, places of worship, schools and academies, historical estates and tree collections. In addition, health and safety inspections, hazard surveys and tree health inspections have been summarised within reports. Furthermore, tree and structural damage investigations, statutory protected tree disputes and high hedge matters have been addressed. I engage with local authorities, have meetings with tree officers and have been engaged with council appeals over development sites. I provided guidance for BS5837:2012 during its iterative stages and have made suggestions for the forthcoming National Tree Safety Group Guidelines amendments. I am an active ecologist carrying out Great Crested Newt, Bat, Bird Activity and Southern Damselfly Surveys either as an element of a development application or to inform Natural England on population and habitat trends. I have written two articles for the Arboricultural Association Magazine and continually improve my knowledge either through CPD or engaging in discussions of the latest tree topics. I spend the majority of free time visiting either an arboretum, gardens or places where I have researched that have historically important trees, interesting trees or a collection of trees. Additionally, I attend guided walks to improve my flora and ornithological identification skills with like-minded volunteers across reserves, estuaries, meadows or woodlands. I am a volunteer education officer for the Wildlife Trust and I also carry out the woodland management at a local Nature Reserve.