Boel Hammarstrand
This July marks a milestone for Women’s ArbCamp as we celebrate our 10th anniversary – returning to the UK, where it all started.
Join us at Merrist Wood College from 17th–19th July for a special edition of an event that has grown far beyond what I imagined it would be. What began as a small gathering has developed into an international event – nine held in Europe so far, but with global connections that reached Taiwan in 2020 (see photo).
Despite a pause in 2024, the momentum hasn’t slowed. In fact, Women’s ArbCamp has grown in ways that highlight just how needed this space is. Arboriculture remains a male-dominated industry, and that shapes how events and spaces are experienced. It’s not uncommon for women to attend industry events as the only female present. While those spaces aren’t intentionally exclusive, the experience can still feel isolating.
Initiatives like Women’s ArbCamp often prompt questions: ‘Why isn’t there a men’s event?’ or ‘Why create something just for women?’ Women’s ArbCamp isn’t about excluding others – it’s about addressing a gap. It creates a space where women, trans and non-binary arborists can connect, build confidence and develop skills in an environment where they are not the minority.
Women’s ArbCamp is an event to include women, not an event to exclude men. The aim isn’t separation, but support. By strengthening participation and confidence across the industry, we contribute to a more inclusive and resilient arboricultural community overall.
It’s a place to climb, learn, and – just as importantly – connect. The value isn’t only in the technical skills shared, but in the stories, mentorship, and networks that continue long after the event ends.
Bringing the event back to the UK feels like closing a loop. The inspiration for Women’s ArbCamp came from the incredible women I met here early in my career. Returning now with an established international community feels significant.
Having Jessica Herbert from Climb Trees supporting the organisation on the ground is a perfect example of what this event fosters – lasting relationships, strong networks and shared purpose.
We are actively seeking sponsors to keep Women’s ArbCamp free and accessible to participants. If you’d like to support, collaborate, or simply learn more, we’d love to hear from you.
Find us on all platforms at @womensarbcamp, visit www.womensarbcamp.se (updates coming soon), or email womensarbcamp@gmail.com
This article was taken from Issue 213 Summer 2026 of the ARB Magazine, which is available to view free to members by simply logging in to the website and viewing your profile area.