Before furniture making and woodturning, I had 15 years ‘on the tools’, climbing, felling, pruning trees with the occasional bit of planting here and there – I’ve even planted my own Pinetum at home. I think most of the trees are ones I’ve grown from seed, which I’m quite proud of if I say so myself.
I hold myself to a high standard when I conduct tree work, the years spent working in public gardens certainly allowed me to indulge in pursuing excellence in my craft. When I spent most of my weekends doing ‘private jobs’, I considered it a great compliment that much of my work came from repeat customers, many were recommended my services and expertise from friends, family and neighbours for whom I had previously worked. Since moving back home I have received the same patronage from many of my neighbours and family friends.
Years of hard work in a wide variety of large operations and small tasks are backed up by a long list of professional qualifications, listed below.
NPTC Certificate of Competence in Chainsaw and related operations
- CS30.1 Maintenance of the Chainsaw
- CS30.2 On-site preparation and Basic Crosscutting
- CS31 Fell & Process Small Trees
- CS32 Fell and Process Trees over 380mm Diameter
- 302 Sever Uprooted or Windblown Trees Using a Chainsaw
- Climb Trees and Perform Aerial Rescue
- CS39 Use of a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness
- CS41 Undertake Sectional Felling Operations
- CS47 Safe Use of a Chainsaw from MEWP
- Certificate of Competence in Tractor Driving and Related Operations
Lantra Certificates
- Stumpgrinders
- Brushcutters/Trimmers – Maintenance and Operation
- Basic Tree Survey and Inspection
- Professional Tree Inspection
ITSSAR Certificate in Safe Use and Maintenance of a MEWP
British Red Cross Certificate in First Aid at Work
Heightec Certificate of Inspection of Personal Protective Equipment for Work at Height
Matthew Hanley Woodworker 