Arboriculture courses

After doing a day course in Basic Tree Survey and Inspection I really got the idea about learning more to do with arboriculture and forestry. Since being at uni I'd been increasing interested in trees and the day course was so enjoyable that I could have done a week of it without being bored - learning about the body language of trees, tantalising glimpses into what is going on in these magnificent but quiet beings. Speaking to the tutor he put the idea in my head that if I have a passion why not follow it?


So after researching how to get into arboriculture I came up with two options that would give me more knowledge...


1. Do the Arboricultural Association Technicians course - a day-release level 4 course that covers in-depth theory of tree biology, the legal status of trees, how to utilise them, woodland management and so on. Since this is a purely theoretical course I'd have to do then do my CS38 and CS39 tickets as well if I wanted to get into the practical side of arb.


2. Do a National Diploma in Arboriculture at a nearby agricultural college. Given my background in ecology and my work experience, the tutors there feel that I can skip the first year (basic woodland ecology, tree biology and the first few chainsaw units) and go straight in to do the second year, which covers more in-depth biology, tree surveying, pests and diseases, and tree ID, as well as training for CS38, 39 and more tickets.


Now as far as I can see the AA Tech would give me a higher theoretical knowledge which can be well applied to conservation jobs that aren't directly "arborist" jobs. It also fits around employment, and may open the doors to consultancy jobs. However, the ND course (whilst being at a slightly lower level - level 3) does give more theoretical knowledge than I first thought, as well as the very useful chainsaw tickets and an integrated project to be investigated through work experience.


So I think I'll apply for the ND course - one year out of work seems worth it to get my pest and disease ID knowledge, build on the basic tree survey course that I did, do more tree biology, and also pick up the practical qualifications needed for arboriculture work. The plan is to do the work experience with conservation charities to try and integrate the two interests - I'm keen not to follow the easy route into utility arb or tree surgery, but to try and apply what I learn for conservation's sake (e.g. caring for ancient trees that harbour biodiversity, or planting the right trees in the right places, or managing woodland for biodiversity). I suppose I could always supplement that after with an AA Tech certificate to build on the knowledge, especially if I decide after a few years that I'd like to become a consultant or similar; or there's the possibility of doing a distance learning MSc. It should be an encouraging next step.