Training

The development and sharing of knowledge is at the heart of ATF’s strategy to achieve our vision of safeguarding ancient and veteran trees, their wildlife, and their heritage and cultural values now and in the future. Our training courses, developed in conjunction with European partners and rigorously tested in terms of both content and quality, are key to sharing our expert knowledge with professionals responsible for the care and management of AoVTs.

Understanding and Managing Veteran Trees- 2 day training course

This two-day course, developed as part of the VETcert project, is aimed at professionals wanting to to improve their knowledge of managing veteran trees, and for those intending to take the VETcert exam. This advanced course can also be taken as standalone training for professionals with an interest in the sustainability and management of ancient and other veteran trees.

Learning outcomes

This two-day course will focus on providing participants with sufficient information and experience to:

1. Understand the principles affecting veteran trees that influence their management:

1. • Ageing and natural processes
   • Rooting environment
   • Hollowing and fungi
   • Location and situation (e.g. historic environment, nature reserve, urban)
2. Undertake a survey and take into consideration all relevant factors to produce a management plan for a veteran tree.
3. Understand what affects the sustainability of a population of veteran trees and how you can influence it.

Who should attend?

Professionals responsible for managing veteran trees, including arboriculturists, foresters, ecologists, land managers and countryside officers.

Prerequisites

This is an advanced course; it is therefore recommended that delegates have previously attended the 1-day Valuing and Managing Veteran Trees course, or had similar professional training or experience. Whilst this course has been developed primarily with a view to supporting professionals working towards VETcert certification, it can be taken as standalone training.

Cost

£475

VETcert Exam Preparation Webinar

This webinar is aimed at professionals wanting to complete their VETcert examinations. The recorded session will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the VETcert standards and examinations. This will help you to:

• Develop an understanding of the VETcert standards and examinations.
• To feel confident and encouraged to move forward to take the VETcert exam, or if not yet quite ready, to understand where you need to gain further knowledge.

This is aimed towards professionals responsible for managing veteran trees, including arboriculturists, foresters, ecologists, land managers, countryside officers, who are looking to take the VETcert examinations.

For information on the VETcert Exam Preperation video click here

VETcert: Walking you through the standards

The ATF has published a series of videos delivered by Vikki Bengtsson, providing a comprehensive overview of the VETcert standards. The videos give viewers a clear understanding of what is expected of a qualified VETcert specialist across all units, at both Practicing and Consulting level. These pre-recorded sessions, allow individuals to self-assess their own knowledge and skills against the VETcert standards. The online exam preparation webinar and the video series have been designed as a complimentary resource, but either can be accessed in isolation if you prefer.

For information on the VETcert walkthrough video series click here