Arboriculture and Forestry

Arboriculture (tree surgery) involves the planting, care and maintenance of individual trees in woodlands, rural and urban areas. It is closely linked to forestry, which is the science and practice of managing forests and woodlands.

We offer the perfect location for your studies with over 30 acres of gardens, and over 200 acres of land spread across the capital. 
You will gain invaluable subject knowledge, along with hands-on skills learning how to operate, maintain and use modern industry machinery and equipment. 

Our full, part-time and apprenticeship courses open up numerous educational and career opportunities; many of our students’ progress to higher education to further their studies or enter careers within the industry.

Industry Training

Lantra Professional Tree Inspection

Full-time

Introduction to Arboriculture (Tree Surgery) Diploma (Level 1)

Part-time

Introduction to Arboriculture (Tree Surgery) Certificate (Level 1)

Full-time

Arboriculture (Tree Surgery) and Forestry Intermediate Diploma (Level 2)

Industry Training

Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Brush-Cutters and Trimmers

Industry Training

Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of a Manually Fed Wood-Chipper

Industry Training

Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Stump Grinders

Industry Training

Level 2 Award in Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue

Industry Training

Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Felling Small Trees (up to 380mm)

Industry Training

Level 3 Award in Felling and Processing Trees (over 380mm)

Careers

Our arboriculture courses provide numerous job opportunities including roles such as:
  • Chainsaw operative
  • Forester
  • Arborist (tree surgeon)
  • Tree surveyor
  • Forestry manager
  • Tree officer
  • Forestry machine operator

Did you know?

There are nearly as many trees as people in London - an impressive 8.4 million - and these trees help remove over 2,000 tonnes of pollution each year.

The trees and timber industry contributes £268 million to the UK economy.

You can work overseas, especially where there is extensive timber production in countries such as New Zealand and Canada.

Facilities

We offer inspiring training facilities amongst our own 30-acres of gardens and woodland at our Enfield Campus. From here you can practice everything from tree climbing to tree felling, experiencing first-hand what a career working outdoors is really like.

Additionally, our connections with many of London’s parks, including Crystal Palace Park and Gunnersbury Park, means that our students are often given opportunities to volunteer, further enhancing their skills. Our Mottingham Campus features a Site of Interest for Nature Conservation and comprises woodland and the River Quaggy, providing fantastic opportunities for hands-on learning.

Ivor's story

I really enjoyed my course. The teaching style benefitted me greatly as it was very hands-on and interactive. Ivor studied arboriculture and forestry during his time at the College