About
The management of trees and woodland is vital for the sustainable development of our countryside, urban spaces, and for conservation.
Our forestry and arboriculture qualifications are a great route into the professional world of forestry and arboriculture. No two days at college are ever the same and you’ll spend at least half of your study time hands- on taking part in practical activities.
From tree climbing and learning best practice for tree care on campus to supporting the local community with real life arboriculture projects, you’ll gain a wide range of work experiences, perfect to enhance your CV!
The great thing about our courses is the majority of our students go straight into jobs after they’ve completed their studies. But if you’re looking to go onto further study there’s also plenty of opportunities, especially if you’re keen to explore forestry, arboriculture or woodland ecology at a higher level.
Courses
Further Education
Higher Education
Student Success
Tom Bithell
Current job role: Trainee arborist, Arb Tree Care
Previous course: Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture, 2018
“Coming to Reaseheath I wasn’t entirely sure where I wanted to take my career, I knew I liked working with trees, but wanted to explore the arboriculture industry further. I found I really enjoyed climbing, which was especially surprising as I’m actually scared of heights!
“I feel that being at college and gaining a greater understanding of the skills and safety around climbing has really helped build my confidence. It was through meeting people on my course that I came across the opportunity to work for Arb Tree Care. I’m working there full time now I’ve finished my course, and I’m excited to see where my career will take me next.”
Find out more
Why study?
Why study Forestry and Arboriculture at Reaseheath?
Look at the management of timber and other commercial crops when visiting estates across the country.
Keep fit with the practical side of the course with at least half of your study time taking part in practical activities.
Our forestry and arboriculture courses are well recognised and highly respected amongst industry professionals across the sector.
Enjoy taking part in tree climbing competitions – last year our students were awarded 2nd place at the national arboriculture show.
Explore the Reaseheath campus, taking your learning from the classroom into real life scenarios and learn the stories behind our range of unusual trees.
Join professional arborists for a masterclass in the latest innovations in tree safety technology led by Sorbus International.
Career
Where could your career take you?
Careers in forestry and arboriculture are diverse, exciting and particularly rewarding for those who love the outdoors. Britain’s forests and woodlands provide a wide range of different career opportunities that are vital to the preservation of the British countryside. Not only does Britain’s forests and woodland support wildlife, they are good for the environment and contribute significantly to the quality of life of people in both rural and urban areas.
An idea of the types of roles you could go into once you’ve completed your studies with us include:
- Arboriculturist
- Tree officer
- Forestry worker
- Woodland manager
- Country estate worker
- Countryside / conservation contractor
Employable
Employability
We’re very proud of our links with industry partners such as Sorbus International and Stein. As part of your training you’ll complete an industry relevant work placement and our industry partners will support you on your journey into employment.
Many students choose to combine their studies with part time work, which adds to their professional experience and supports their learning in the classroom.
You’ll also get involved in community projects with local organisations and schools, all designed to add valuable experience to your CV.
All of our forestry and arboriculture students have the opportunity to study additional industry relevant qualifications such as chainsaw handling and aerial rescue.
Experience
Your Reaseheath Experience
As a forestry and arboriculture student you’ll be learning from our industry experienced tutors and taking advantage of our 21-hectare college grounds, filled with a huge variety of trees to investigate.
Opportunities beyond the campus include the chance to take part in climbing competitions across the country. It’s a great opportunity for you to really test out your climbing skills and it’s also lots of fun!
Industry view
“Arboriculture is a constantly evolving industry. In the last 30 years it has gone from woolly jumpers, jeans, wellies and a shared hard hat, to state-of-the-art lightweight chainsaw protection, space aged helmets and battery powered chainsaws.
“Working in arboriculture, no two days are the same and the view from the “office window” is always different. You will get hot, cold, wet, dirty and tired, but to say “I did that” at the end of the day makes it all worthwhile.
“Now is a great time to join the industry as more advances are being made in the use of drones, new climbing equipment and tree diagnostic equipment, to name just a few. We will always have trees and we will always need people to manage them.
“Reaseheath is a great place to study and students leave with a good knowledge base as well as a strong desire to get out and get dirty — we should know, we have employed enough of them!”
Martin BoardmanMan Coed VM, Director
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Further Education: 01270 613242
Higher Education: 01270 613284
Switchboard: 01270 625131
Higher Education: 01270 613284
Switchboard: 01270 625131