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SITTING PRETTY – DORCHESTER PARK ARBS’ THRONE CARVING A team of local authority Dorset tree surgeons has created a ‘throne’ seat following the felling of a diseased Tilia. The new seat is in the popular Dorchester open space, Salisbury Field, and has since become an attraction, developing a strong local following and appearing frequently on social media. “It just demonstrates how people are increasingly aware of the value of trees and their important place in all our lives,” said outdoor services manager, Carl Dallison, from Dorchester Town Council. He explained that the mature tree needed to be felled, as a survey showed it had dead wood, cavities and severe fungal infection. “Being in close proximity to private gardens and with a footpath running under the canopy we had little option.” Despite this, the team who carried out the work found that the heartwood was still sound
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enough to create a seat, where visitors can enjoy views over Dorchester town and the hills. Nick Collins, arboricultural o cer at orset o ncil, said the arborists who undertook the removal and carved the throne were Mike Hannam, Kieran Baxter and Dan Parry, all AA approved contractors and have worked with the local authority for around 12 years. A replacement Tilia has been delivered and will be planted in the field near to the original tree www.dorchester-tc.gov.uk
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WOODCRAFT TEAM WINS ‘TREE SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR’ AWARD Woodcraft Tree Services has won the Tree Specialist of the Year accolade at the Corporate Live Wire Prestige Awards. Woodcraft was set against 150 other businesses in Lincolnshire but won the award in part due to nominations from clients he ta ford-based fir was founded eight years ago by Brett Redshaw, who continues to lead the business. he fir has five er anent sta , and rett said s ccess has come about largely because of his loyal and talented workforce. “Each new person has been carefully chosen and the team is nified in its assion and thirst to expand knowledge and skillset.” Team member Dom Jones commented: “It never feels like being at work and the boss truly values us. We support and encourage each other in the variety of work that we undertake and this makes up for some exhausting days. But the aching feeling at the end of the day still brings satisfaction and stification that yo ve earned that beer.” Colleague Grace Lane added: “Training to be a tree surgeon at Woodcraft is the best job I’ve ever had. The role involves a wide variety of work which means I am always learning new skills. We get on very well as a team, supporting each other both in and outside of work.”
ene ts of in house Many arborists use subcontactors (subbies) but Brett believes his fir s ey strength is in having permanent employees. “Although I understand the reasons behind the subbie culture, a good quality climber is expensive to train in-house and takes years to acquire the level of skill needed. “There are a lot of companies which consist of a manager and a groundie, and then a rotating set of sub-contracted climbers that carry out the actual work. For me, this leads to inconsistencies in the quality of work and a lack of company ethic. “When our clients book us year after year, they know they will always see the same faces and be given a consistent professional level of work.” Brett continued that if he needs e tra sta , he wo ld se those fro fir s that he knows very well. Read more about Woodcraft Tree Services in our interview on page 13. woodcrafttreeservicesltd.co.uk
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11/02/2021 11:21