What is arboriculture and why should you study it?
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.
The trees and timber industry contributes £268 million to the UK economy. It is a sector within the green skills industries that is in vital need of skilled workers.
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. Those working in arboriculture, forestry and tree surgery play an important role in ensuring the future of our planet’s clean air and green spaces.
What are the different types of careers in arboriculture?
Tree surgeon / arborist / groundsman / climber: Involves hands-on tree maintenance, climbing, pruning and removal. This role requires high-level safety compliance.
Arboriculture consultant / surveyor: Conducts inspections, tree surveys and advises on tree management, conservation and development impact.
Local authority tree officer: Manages municipal trees, ensures health standards and handles planning, regulations and conservation.
Utility arborist: Focuses on clearing trees around power lines and infrastructure.
Plant health/specialist officer: Specialises in monitoring pests, diseases and ensuring tree health.
Why study at Capel Manor College?
We offer the perfect location for your studies with over 30 acres of gardens, and over 200 acres of land spread across the capital. With courses led by industry-expert tutors, our students gain invaluable subject knowledge, along with hands-on skills learning how to operate modern industry machinery and equipment.
Our Enfield Campus has inspiring training facilities set amongst 30 acres of gardens and woodland. From here, you can practice everything from tree climbing to tree felling, experiencing first-hand what a career working outdoors is really like.
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.
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 full, part-time and apprenticeship courses open numerous educational and career opportunities; many of our students progress to higher education to further their studies or enter careers within the industry.
Tutor spotlight
Our arboriculture tutor Andrew Clark joined Capel Manor College in 2018 as a NPTC trainer/assessor in chainsaw units and is now lead tutor for our arboriculture curriculum including delivering our Arborist Apprenticeship (Level 2).
Prior to this, Andrew owned a tree surgery business for over 15 years covering Essex, London and the home counties before moving into forestry, logging and environmental coppice work.
Andrew also spent time travelling in New Zealand, Australia and Canada working in agriculture and arboriculture, as well as 28 years at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service where he worked on the front line before progressing to Watch Manager.
Andrew’s qualifications include a technical diploma in arboriculture from the Royal Forestry Society, multiple first aid awards, and a diploma in agriculture.
Find out more about our arboriculture courses and apprenticeship.
