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Why are we here?

The Arboricultural Association is the leading organisation in the UK for tree care professionals working in all areas of arboriculture, including central and local government, consultancy, contracting, management, production, policymaking, research and education. It has more than 3000 members in the UK and around the world, and is increasingly recognised as an international, as well as a national, leader in arboriculture. The Association is dependent on its members, its volunteers – including Trustees, Committee members and Branch officials – and a dedicated staff team operating out of the Malthouse in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire.

Regarded by UK central government departments, local government and sector partners such as the Royal Horticultural Society as the focal point for best practice in tree care, the Association is unique in that its membership operates across the entire spectrum of the profession. It represents its members on numerous projects, working parties and groups, and collaborates closely with international partners such as the European Arboricultural Council, the European Forum on Urban Forestry and the International Society of Arboriculture.

The Association is a charity as well as a membership organisation, working to advance the science of arboriculture and raise awareness and knowledge of tree care globally, inspiring the general public about the importance of amenity trees and the arboricultural professionals who care for them. Much of this work is done through participation at community and public events, school membership, political engagement and, most recently, via the Tree Care Supporter initiative and public-facing content.

Membership grades are available to suit all arboricultural professionals, to whom the Association offers a wide range of services and benefits. Training courses for members at all stages of their professional career are held in a range of topics, in-person around the country and also, in many cases, online. A busy calendar of events includes the ARB Show, the Annual Amenity Conference – the main UK arboricultural conference of the year – and a packed online programme including an acclaimed webinar series enjoyed by viewers worldwide in more than 140 countries.

The Approved Contractor, Utility Approved Contractor and Registered Consultant Accreditation schemes help raise professional standards and increase awareness of arboriculture, and the Association publishes best practice guidance documents and two quarterly publications – the ARB Magazine and Arboricultural Journal. The Association has worked for the good of our members, for the profession and for wider society for more than fifty years, and will continue to do so into the future.

Our vision is:

Inspiring, supporting and promoting the tree care community for a society that better appreciates and cares for trees.

Our History – Key dates in our history