Chris Knapman wins 2023 Arboricultural Association Award

The Arboricultural Association is pleased to reveal that the winner of this year’s Association Award is Chris Knapman.

In recognition of his significant and positive contribution to the arboricultural profession and a lifetime of work with trees, Chris was presented with the award virtually with the help of a surprise guest presenter at home. You can watch the presentation below, which was also played during the Awards session of last week’s Arboricultural Association Conference.

We hope that everyone in the industry will join us in congratulating Chris on this well-deserved achievement and in sending thanks for his ongoing contributions to the industry.

Nominations come in from the membership and are judged by an independent panel. On receiving the award, Chris said:

“I’m very pleased to accept the award and obviously I hadn’t prepared an acceptance speech. Thanks to all my friends, family and colleagues. I’m quite surprised and very pleased. I tend to stay under the radar, doing bits here there and everywhere. Helping Ancient Tree Forum conferences or just saving a tree where I can, doing philanthropic acts when necessary, trying to promote trees… Coming up with new ideas on how we can present trees and tree care, why they are so important to us. We wouldn’t have a civilization without trees, full stop. We really do need to look after them and the Arboricultural Association is hence very important in that and I think doing great work now to really push the importance of trees. I’m really pleased with the way the Association is going and how inclusive it is to all sorts of new ideas.”

Association CEO John Parker said on presenting the award to Chris:

“You are a very important part of all the work that is going on Chris, and we really do appreciate it. You are a very well deserving winner for a lifetime of contributions to arboriculture and lots more to come.”

Several colleagues nominated Chris and the excerpt below is just one example of the positive impact he has had on others.

“Chris does nothing but encourage us to do more, to be better Arbs and to keep striving to achieve Greater things. The work Chris continues to do for the Ancient Tree Forum is so vital, there is such a need for his vast knowledge. Chris has spent time recently, assisting Kneebone trees, which I believe they found to be invaluable. Chris recently set up the Tree Musketeers group, which I am proud to be a member of and this critical thinking group, which explores all the latest Arboricultural information, which has really helped me develop.. Chris has mentored me and two of my colleagues, all AA members, and we are all treated like family and respected by someone of such great knowledge and experience. Chris has really helped with our ongoing education, in best industry practice and the complex world of ancient tree management and learning. The advice given is always delivered so well, with such honourable intentions, have you tried this, have you thought about this, maybe it worth looking at things this way. I have never encountered such a great individual with such a gentle, well intentioned, outlook.”

“His contributions to the world of arboriculture go far beyond the ordinary. His tireless dedication, passion for trees, and commitment to knowledge sharing make him an exceptional candidate for the Lifetime Achievement Award.”