Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture students reached new heights at the 3ATC Northern College Climbing Competition.

A team made up of James Barber, Hamish Profit and Reece Pearce took second place in Group 2 (less than two years practical climbing experience) after being tested on their climbing ability and attention to safety and best practice. The students had to climb to targets on the outer limbs of 60ft trees and demonstrate branch walking and  toss a log to a target area.

The Arboricultural Association runs these annual climbing competitions exclusively for students, with the aim of advancing climbing practice and safety within the industry. The competition was held at Myerscough College’s Liverpool campus in the grounds of Croxteth Park. Reaseheath hosted the competition last year.

This is our fourth year on the competition circuit and, needless to say, Course Manager Alan Mottram and his students were delighted at their success.

Said Alan: “These competitions give our second year students the chance to prove their expertise in the climbing skills they have learned during their course.

“As a college we promote industry best practice and this competition showcases the importance of climbing safely. There’s also an element of competitiveness between colleges and the students have the chance to chat to other competitors and to leading instructors who attend to help run the event.

“The experiences, knowledge and memories from the day help to get our students’ careers off to the best possible start.”

All our Group 2 team have already found employment in the industry.