Peter Wharton MICFor

Like many in arboriculture, my career began unexpectedly. I struggled to find work experience in sports science, my intended path, and with little time left I approached local tree surgeon James Tonks for a chance to join his team. That week outdoors sparked my passion for arboriculture, blending physical activity with adventure.

Upon learning that many studied at Myerscough College, I met Dealga O’Callaghan FICFor, whose advice to complete A-Levels and pursue a degree in arboriculture shaped my future. By 2000, I was earning my BSc, including a transformative year in Australia doing powerline clearance.

My career path included roles with Oxfordshire and Birmingham councils, followed by private sector experience at Lockhart Garratt under mentor Graham Garratt FICFor. I founded Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants in 2008. Initially a solo venture, it has since grown into a 17-member team. Today, I aim to inspire others to forge their own connections with nature.

What I love about the job that I now, and arboriculture in general, is that no two days are the same. My day starts at 05:00 by either going out for a run or walking the dogs, and I try to head to the office for around 08:30 and start my day-to-day tasks of emails, client calls and dealing with any business management issues that arise. Then I’m either visiting sites to undertake surveys or writing reports for client. In addition, I’ll help with marketing the business, examine how we can create more efficiency as a team, and support the team with technical issues or general advice. My day generally ends at around 20:00, after planning the next day’s activities and reflecting on my achievements during the day.

Communication, passion and balance. Arboricultural professionals can still be perceived as the people that get in the way. Understanding people, and how you can get the best from them, is so important.

Planning legislation and being overlooked as people turn to ecologists or landscape architects for advice on arboricultural issues. I feel that as a sector we do ourselves no favours in how we engage with other professions – we seem to do it individually or in silos, but there doesn’t seem to be a collective positive voice for engagement. We are a young sector and should be far more engaged – now is the perfect opportunity to unite and develop an approach for industry bodies to take forward.

Simply put, it is the only Royal-Chartered body which represents arboricultural professionals. This carries weight with allied professions. It allows me to engage with other professionals and provides good quality training and support. We are also accountable to the Code of Conduct, which is vital. The Institute also recognises where it could evolve and that makes it an exciting time for all involved.