Tree Academy Online

There's a huge problem with the way we’re managing trees through the planning process. 20 years ago we could be excused for not knowing much, or doing much about damage to trees and the erosion of irreplaceable features. Today we have NO excuse. We’re facing a nationwide crisis that is damaging our tree population. Generic judgements and flawed decision-making are driving arboriculture into a professional abyss…on the verge of losing its legitimacy.

A root & branch solution

Since April 2022 we’ve been building the TREE ACADEMY ONLINE, which is primarily a platform for training, mentoring and engagement for working tree professionals. TAO is a dedicated community of Environment & Natural Infrastructure professionals and industry experts. Together, we're pioneering a new, holistic approach to professional training, mentoring and learning.

Trees, Planning & Development

The site will launch with its initial training program covering ARBORICULTURAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT. The work is based on current thinking, research, experience, and scientific evidence. Its aim is to show how critical thinking and professional standards can be integrated throughout the planning & development process using Effective Arboricultural Impact Assessment. Alongside the AIA training there are freely available guidance publications and other useful resources.

The TREE ACADEMY ONLINE will offer professional mentoring and a community space for skills development. TAO will be driven by experienced real-world professionals and we plan to develop tree-related training to cover other related disciplines such as; Landscape, Ecology, Architecture, Engineering etc.

The site is planned to go live at the end of the year (Dec 22).

Arboricultural Impact Assessment System

AIA system - Guidance & Training

With a significant amount of research and testing behind it, the launch of new impact assessment training and guidance is here. The new AIA system embraces current thinking, raises our professional status and safeguards users by providing a framework and structure that allows informed, robust decision-making.

The AIA system has been developed to provide Tree Officers & Consultants with a level playing field. The system is transparent, repeatable and based on valid research.

The system is designed to inform decisions, not to override expert opinion.

The AIA system training is currently being delivered in-house to private organisations and will be offered to the wider arboricultural community in the near future.

Guidance Notes for Tree Officers & LPAs

The research findings have identified consistent flaws in the arboricultural information submitted with planning applications. Alongside the new AIA training there are several freely available guidance publications currently being prepared for distribution to LPAs. The guidance includes:

• Key issues & common failings

• Checking submitted information for compliance with BS5837

• Review of technical details

• Useful research & references by key issue

The guidance enables quick document review by simple checks and provides key details and reference points for efficient assessment and robust critique of submitted tree information.