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Training & Events

Online training courses are now available


The Arboricultural Association offers around 100 training courses per year for arborists and tree surgeons. We aim to raise standards of education and knowledge across the industry through our events and training activities. All courses and events are open to members and non-members, and there’s something for everyone, from professional arborists and environmentalists to those with an interest in trees.

Members can benefit from up to 35% discount on arboricultural training courses at all levels, covering everything from basic tree inspection skills to Arboricultural consultancy.

Please be aware the member discount DOES NOT apply to those with our Foundation membership.

List of Courses

Tree Pests, Diseases and Disorders

This interactive course is ideal for tree work contractors and others who need to identify and diagnose tree pests, diseases and disorders as part of their regular work.

Dates/Venues

 16/04/2024

 Gloucestershire

 04/11/2024

 Gloucestershire

Course Fees

Arboricultural Association Conference On-Demand

Catch up on the UK's biggest Arboriculture Conference featuring a world-class lineup of speakers and covering a huge range of topics with over 12 hours of CPD.

Over 400 attendees enjoyed the conference live in session at the University of Warwick, enjoying the chance to network, collaborate and share ideas. Now you can access the latest knowledge on-demand and watch an event which has become a highlight on the calendar for arborists and internationals expert speakers.

*Please ignore the arbitrary start date for this course. You will receive on-demand access immediately after purchase.

Dates/Venues

 02/10/2024

 Online

Course Fees

Arboricultural Knowledge

A short ‘signposting’ course designed to help professional arboriculturists assess and update their Arboricultural Knowledge across a broad range of topics.

Dates/Venues

 16/07/2024

 Stirling, Scotland

Course Fees

Arboricultural Knowledge - ONLINE

A short online ‘signposting’ course designed to help professional arboriculturists assess and update their Arboricultural Knowledge across a broad range of topics.

Dates/Venues

 08/04/2024

 ONLINE

 07/10/2024

 ONLINE

Course Fees

Basic Tree Survey and Inspection

A one-day Lantra Awards accredited course for those who want to obtain the skills and know-how that will enable them to recognise basic hazards and report onwards.

If you are looking to take your first step in Arboricultural training, this is the ideal course for you.

Dates/Venues

 15/04/2024

 Gloucestershire

 16/04/2024

 National Botanical Garden

 17/06/2024

 Surrey

 24/09/2024

 Staffordshire

 21/10/2024

 East Budleigh, Devon

 05/11/2024

 Gloucestershire

 26/11/2024

 Preston

 02/12/2024

 Gloucestershire

Course Fees

Britain's Ancient Trees - Western Branch

A one day in-person event focusing on Ancient Trees, hosted by the Association’s Western Branch.

The day comprises morning presentations from guest speakers, Julian Hight and Archie Miles,  who will be exploring the story of Britain’s ancient trees and looking at the threats to them. These will be followed by a tree walk in the afternoon led by Mat Shute.  

Julian will be exploring the story of Britain’s ancient forest told through its remaining ancient trees and surviving customs – living links to our rich history. Julian Hight has travelled widely, camera in hand, to document and tell the stories of historic ancient trees.

Archie will be looking at threats to ancient trees and how to look after them (and how they look after themselves). Archie Miles has been a professional photographer for almost fifty years and began writing about twenty-five years ago. With an abiding passion for the British landscape, a natural progression over the last thirty years has seen him carve a specialist niche in the world of trees.

Mat Shute will be leading a walk and talk around the grounds of Bicton College. Mat has a great amount of knowledge on ancient and Veteran trees, as he now works solely as a consultant except for occasional contracting projects in this area. He has passed the VETcert examinations to become a certified veteran tree specialist at both practicing and consulting levels and also works for The Arboricultural Association as an examiner for this qualification. 

Dates/Venues

 04/04/2024

 Bicton College, Exeter

Course Fees

BS5837: Tree Surveying and Categorisation

A short course for professional arboriculturists who wish to learn more about undertaking BS5837 surveys.

Dates/Venues

 17/04/2024

 Gloucestershire

 16/09/2024

 Gloucestershire

Course Fees

Cornwall Branch AGM

The Cornwall Branch AGM will include updates from the October 2023 Branching Out event, round table discussions on 23/24 and 24/25 plans. Guest speaker John Parker, Arboricultural Association CEO, will provide a centralised update on the Association’s latest activities, goals and plans. Any other or additional topics that members wish to discuss can be emailed to Cornwall@trees.org.uk for inclusivity on the agenda.

Dates/Venues

 22/03/2024

 

Course Fees

Getting to Grips with Subsidence - ONLINE

A specialised online course for tree officers, arboricultural consultants, contractors and other arboricultural professionals who may be required to manage tree-related subsidence cases. 

Dates/Venues

 10/06/2024

 ONLINE

 23/09/2024

 ONLINE

 04/11/2024

 ONLINE

Course Fees

Intermediate Tree Inspection

This two-day course bridges the wide gap between the Basic Tree Survey & Inspection (BTI) and the Professional Tree Inspection (PTI) courses.

With instructor-led sessions and theory-based presentations, you’ll be guided through the various stages of tree inspection, risk assessment and other tree management procedures. You’ll gain practical experience, receive one-to-one feedback and discover the latest techniques and innovations in the industry.

You’ll also meet other tree inspectors in similar situations and roles  and get the chance to ask questions in a supportive and relaxed environment.  

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS IS A NON-RESIDENTIAL COURSE. Hotels are available nearby. 

Dates/Venues

 03/04/2024

 Maidstone

 06/06/2024

 Derby

Course Fees

Professional Tree Inspection

This three day (non residential) course is designed for experienced arboriculturists with a Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification who are entrusted to make the right decision regarding tree safety issues. 

The well respected course is Lantra Awards accredited and those who are successful in the exam will be awarded with a certificate of achievement. 

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS IS A NON-RESIDENTIAL COURSE. Hotels are available nearby. 

Dates/Venues

 29/04/2024

 Stirling, Scotland

 20/05/2024

 Guildford

 10/06/2024

 Gloucestershire

 08/07/2024

 East Budleigh, Devon

 23/09/2024

 Gloucestershire

 01/10/2024

 County Durham

 11/11/2024

 Gloucestershire

Course Fees

Professional Tree Inspection Refresher

Are you looking to sharpen your skills in professional tree inspection?

This one day refresher course is perfect for those who have previously attended the Lantra Awards 3-day course and need to keep up to date with the ever changing thoughts and policies surrounding tree survey and inspection. 

Dates/Venues

 02/05/2024

 Stirling, Scotland

 13/06/2024

 Gloucestershire

 11/07/2024

 East Budleigh, Devon

 26/09/2024

 Gloucestershire

 04/10/2024

 County Durham

 14/11/2024

 Gloucestershire

Course Fees

Subsidence Investigation Workshop - ONLINE

This online workshop is an extension of the  'Getting to Grips with Subsidence' course. 

If you are a Tree officer, Arboricultural Consultant or an arboricultural professional this workshop is designed with you in mind.

Dates/Venues

 15/04/2024

 ONLINE

 21/10/2024

 ONLINE

 18/11/2024

 ONLINE

Course Fees

The AA Risk Assessment System - online

This half-day course will provide attendees with a comprehensive guide for practical arborists and managers to ensure a safe work environment that will meet the requirements of the law and many insurers.

Dates/Venues

 04/04/2024

 ONLINE

 31/05/2024

 ONLINE

 27/08/2024

 ONLINE

 09/10/2024

 ONLINE

 16/12/2024

 ONLINE

Course Fees

Tree Pests, Diseases and Disorders

This interactive course is ideal for tree work contractors and others who need to identify and diagnose tree pests, diseases and disorders as part of their regular work.

Dates/Venues

 14/05/2024

 ONLINE

 13/08/2024

 ONLINE

 08/10/2024

 ONLINE

Course Fees

AA Training – Tips for using Zoom

All of our online courses use Zoom video conferencing. Here are some tips to help you get set started:

Zoom tutorials

Please ensure you are familiar with zoom before attending the first session. This YouTube video is a useful introduction. Not all of the content is relevant, below is a series of shortcuts to the most relevant parts:

0:13 – Sign up with Zoom

2:00 – Navigate dashboard & change profile picture

2:30 – Download Zoom

4:30 – Understand meeting controls

4:47 – Mute/unmute host

5:00 – Disable video/enable video

8:00 – Raise hands

10:10 – Chat

11:09 – Reactions

12:19 – Join a meeting

Workspace and computer setup

Attending an online meeting can be taxing. We plan to take frequent breaks and include a diversity of tasks to help you get the most from the sessions. Here are some things you can do to you to improve your experience:

  • Distraction free space - where possible, set yourself up in a spare room/quiet corner to minimise distractions.
  • Ergonomic setup – working at a well setup station can reduce fatigue. See this video for more guidance.
  • Monitor – we would suggest calling in on a desktop PC or laptop (rather than a phone or tablet). If you are using a laptop, you may want to consider purchasing a monitor. This will help in a couple of ways; firstly monitors are usually larger than laptop screens (helping to reduce squinting and a tendency to lean forward) and secondly it is usually easier to elevate a monitor to an appropriate height (good for ergonomic posture). If using a monitor you also have the benefit of ‘extending’ your screen so that you have Zoom open on one and another application on the other.
  • Separate keyboard and mouse – if using a laptop the compact keyboards and trackpad mouse can lead to fatigue and issues such as RSI or carpal tunnel. Whilst the amount of typing during sessions will be limited, a separate keyboard and mouse can help prevent injury.
  • Headphone and microphone headset – the benefit of a headset is twofold; it can help block out background noise and makes it easier for others to hear you. If you purchase one with inline volume controls, it can also make it easier to mute your microphone when not speaking.
  • External webcam – this is by no means essential. However, if you are using an separate monitor it enables you to position the camera on top of the monitor, rather than having to turn to look at the laptop.
  • Lighting – we would like to see your lovely faces! Having a setup with good lighting makes this experience easier. Try positioning your workspace so you are facing a window. Alternatively, a lamp can help with this.