The Royal Forestry Society’s
Professional Diploma in Arboriculture
Introduction to the Course
This is the top professional qualification for those working
in forestry and is recognized as such throughout the industry.
Candidates must be
over 23 years of age, be full members of the RFS and have worked full time in the
forestry industry for at least three years. Written confirmation from an employer
or other competent authority will be required that candidates are experienced and
able to set up and use the mechanical equipment usually found within the industry.
Although
there are no longer any other obligatory qualifications candidates are advised that
both the theory and management exercises are extremely stringent and the IHRS suggest
that only those holding the RFS Certificate in Arboriculture, or an equivalent qualification
should contemplate the course.
The examination consists of two written theory papers lasting three hours each and
a management exercise day. The areas tested include:
Historical development of trees
and woodland in the British Landscape.
Plant Science: Systematics and Taxonomy,
Genetics and Plant Breeding.
Plant Environment: Soils and Plant Nutrition, Ecology
and Climate.
Plant Health: Diseases of Woody Plants, Pests of Woody Plants,
Other Injurious Agencies of Woody Plants, Plant
Protection and Tree Health Management.
Tree Nursery Practice: Propagation
Techniques, Nurseries, Protected Growing Techniques.
Planning and Planting: Design,
Landscape Utilization, Planting, Roots.
Maintenance of Woody Plants: Pruning, Repair
and Prevention of Damage, Nutrition, Felling and Extraction.
Health and Safety: Legal
Requirements for health and Safety at Work, Safety Equipment and Personal
Protective Equipment, Management, Supervisor and Workers Responsibilities.
Trees
and The Law: Statute Law, Common Law.
Tree Inspections and Surveys.
Trees and development.
Mechanical Equipment and Hand
Tools.
Woodland Management for Amenity and Conservation: Amenity and Conservation
Woodlands,Trees of Special
Value.
Arboreta Management.
Organisation and Management: Principles of Management,
Finance and Control, Technical Aspects of Management.
A full syllabus and details of entry requirements can be seen here.
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Current fees for this course are £1595
and provide for a three year studentship