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 ArborEcology: Environmental Arboriculture

Training in Environmental
Arboriculture:

In this fast moving modern world training is essential if individuals, businesses and organisations are to keep up to date with current research and knowledge. ArborEcology is committed to
continued professional development (CPD) and offers a range of site based training for those requiring knowledge of a specific topic, or combined in situations where a broader understanding is needed. ArborEcology are also working with LANTRA* in the development of courses, for example the new Bats and Trees Awareness Days organised by BCT and the Arboricultural Association. 

The Brown Long-eared Bat (Plecotus auritus), an arboreal species, that also makes regular use of man made structures and has been found roosting in old mines, tunnels, barns and residential houses. Photograph John Altingaham

Treework operations, whether associated with development work, engineering projects, woodland operations, parks and gardens or street trees, will have an influence on the ecology of an area. This may occur through the loss of a specialist food source, foraging areas, nest and roost sites or sheltered flight corridors used for navigation. Land owners, consultants, contract managers and supervisors need to be aware of and understand these impacts and how to mitigate for them.

ArborEcology can help fill the knowledge gap by providing dedicated technical and practical training designed specifically to cater to your needs - whether your organisation is responsible for specifying ecologically sensitive contracts or you manage a team of contractors asked to undertake the work.

Protected Species:

Technological advancements extend the influence of human existence further and further, at an ever increasing rate, and our impact on the slower moving natural world can have a devastating impact.  Legislation in Europe and the UK has been developed to safeguard threatened and endangered species of flora and fauna. Many such species are now listed within Acts and Regulations (in the UK) to protect them from harm and designate their habitat.

It is therefore essential that management proposals incorporate greater consideration to the ecological impact of human activities. Where such proposals are written specifically to conserve a habitat for a particular species, it is important to also understand the impact on other species using the area. Wherever possible an ‘ecosystem’ based approach should be encouraged.

Decaying Wood 
Habitat Construction:

ArborEcology is pioneering the commercial use of decaying wood timber resurrection, utilising storm damaged trees or trees requiring felling due to large civil engineering projects such as road schemes. Often the timber used contains features with good potential to provide habitat for bats and other arboreal species.  Additional features can be created to enhance the diversity offered.

The creation of decaying wood habitats with resurrected trunks, aerial features and a diversity of log piles can enhance existing sites. These also provide edge buffer zones within new schemes and add new features to the landscape mosaic. Resurrected timber features are also used within landscape corridors to enhance connectivity for a greater diversity of organisms, whilst providing transient, roosting and nesting habitats for mobile species such as small terrestrial mammals, birds and bats.

Ancient and Veteran Tree
Management Techniques including:

• Retrenchment pruning incorporating phased reduction of the tree to alleviate structural instabilities and stimulate retrenchment

• Veteranisation: destructive pruning techniques to create new veteran features or enhance existing ones, with the associated biological and aesthetical benefits. Also used to bridge habitat gaps enhancing the sustainability of the habitat offered;

• Pollarding of younger trees to improve continuity in already existing pollards, maintaining the sustainability of habitat for
  co-evolutionary species;

• Restoration pruning of redundant or lapsed pollards to reduce structural failure and stabilise the tree close to the original pollard form, ensuring the continuity of habitat opportunities;

• Natural fracture pruning including coronet cuts in conjunction with the above specialist pruning methods to give a more natural aesthetic to reduced trees in a wild context and to stimulate new growth.

Contracting In Environmental
Arboriculture:

ArborEcology offer practical assistance with the management, restoration, creation and repair of arboreal ecosystems and can oversee recommended contract work. In some cases, where specialist knowledge is required or where new techniques are being considered, ArborEcology provide the necessary expertise, or organise appropriate training for other contractors.

ArborEcology recognise the need for experienced, professionally trained operatives who can undertake these specialised contracts that often include work on niche habitats that require very careful consideration.

To discuss training opportunities, woodland habitat creation, restoration or repair, or sensitive tree work with ArborEcology please phone (local rate):  0845 658 1400

www.arborecology.co.uk