Ruthe Davies MICFor

I dropped out of a law degree that hadn’t inspired me. I had never heard of a tree officer or consultant, but decided to train as a tree surgeon, because I loved trees. During my training I learned about the world of arboriculture and all the other career paths within it. I went back to university to study arboriculture, which was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I worked part-time with a local tree surgeon while I was studying for my arboriculture degree. After graduating I moved to Edinburgh and started work as a tree officer in the maintenance team at The City of Edinburgh Council. After eight years managing the Council’s trees, I moved over to the planning authority, where I’ve been for five years now.

I’m the tree police – my job is to protect trees from their owners so that the community can enjoy their benefits. I create Tree Preservation Orders and handle application for tree works. I assess high hedge applications and make high hedge notices. I take enforcement action when tree protection is breached. I advise planning officers about how developments might impact trees, whether that’s acceptable, and how it can be mitigated. It appears to be all about trees but really, it’s about people. My work is to give people a better city and better lives.

Unequivocally, do it! This is a great profession filled with passionate people and career opportunities. There aren’t enough skilled people to fill the roles, so once you are qualified you will be able to find work. Tree officer and consultant roles have a good mix of outdoor and indoor work, and you have the satisfaction of knowing you are making the world a better place.

If you do pursue a career in arboriculture, make the most of what’s on offer outside your job. Join the organisations, attend the events, read the magazines, write an article, volunteer on a committee. It’s a very rewarding world.

I saw professional membership of the ICF as a way to improve myself and to demonstrate my  capabilities and commitment to the profession.

Being a chartered professional gives me professional credibility. It demonstrates that I am competent and trustworthy. In a world where trees aren’t always taken seriously enough by other professions, having the weight of chartership behind me can help make an impact.

It’s absolutely a worthwhile journey, both for you personally, and for the profession more widely. The more arboriculturists are professionally accredited, the more credible and respected our profession will be. You will find your career enhanced by chartered status, but the process of becoming a professional member is highly rewarding in itself. It requires a great deal of reflection on your journey and achievements, and you will come out of it with a greater understanding and appreciation of your professionality.