GLAS Special: Arboricultural Association in Ireland
Michael Yallop of The Irish Branch of the Arboricultural Association, looks at the branch's place within the sector and opportunities for those working in the industry
Print18 July 2024
As another year moves around us and we emerge from winter’s grasp, the Arboricultural industry in Ireland has continued to grow and improve. The Arboricultural Association has been there to lend support, training, and information to its members and the wider public on a variety of topics across the industry.
The association overall has approximately 2000 members with a very interested and active number located in Ireland, both North and South. For those who haven’t joined up yet, but maybe thinking about it, there are huge benefits to becoming a member.
As a member you will have access to a huge amount of online material for free, get a copy of the quarterly Arb Magazine and access to all back issues, access to the associations journal of published papers, networking with colleagues and access to seminars in both the U.K and in Ireland, organised by your local branch. There’s never a better time to join and it’s open to a variety of membership grades all accessed through www.tree.org.uk.
Events from the year past
Since last year, the Association has run many successful events in both the UK and Ireland. Here at home, we started the year with a very successful event in Russborough house, on practical tree work. The event was led By Rob Gibbs of Arbortec Training and Matt Follett, a practising arborist from Canada. The day covered a variety of topics from two rope working, anchor loads, stem stress and negative rigging. It was an excellent day and very well attended by industry professionals.
We followed on in August with an event on CAVAT, with Chris Neilan. The event was held in both Dublin and Belfast and Chris gave a great insight into the history of CAVAT and the process of using the system. There was great feedback on the event and interest in learning more about it from our members.
The winter webinar series this year had huge numbers tuning in to hear from our chief executive, John Parker and a range of speakers such as David Lonsdale, Henrik Sjoman and Sir Harry Studholme. Many of the webinars were attended by up 700 people and they are free of charge. They are available online for free to rewatch, if you wish to do so.
The year ahead
The branch has some wonderful events in the works for the year ahead. Information on these will be advertised on the website and through the email blast, once you’re signed up as a member. Along with this, there are many great online events and courses which can be undertaken through the website once you’re signed up as a member. Other great events that will also be held are the APF show from the 19 to the 21 September, in Warwickshire. Additionally, there is the Arboricultural Association Annual Conference, which always has great speakers over its three days.
The Industry in an Irish context
As mentioned, the Arb industry in Ireland has had a busy year. Still only feeling the fringe effects of such things as Ash Dieback, the industry is ever changing. The European tree council has issued its European Tree Value Calculation Standard for comment, now in draft stage. When published, it is hoped that it will provide clarity and harmonise the experience and best practice recommendations for tree specialists in European countries. The first draft has been published and can be downloaded on their website.
BS5837: 2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition, and construction, are under review also and from this, will hopefully soon issue drafts and consultations for the much needed review of the standards so widely used here for development projects.
The Arboricultural apprenticeship programme is always worth noting. The programme caters for those with an interest in tree works and are looking for a base point for starting a career in the arboricultural industry in Ireland. The programme has seen a keen interest from students and provides training and knowledge transfer for those interested in the industry.
For more information in relation to the Irish branch, please visit: www.tree.org.uk
Fans 0
Followers