New Registered Consultants

Andrew Belson

‘It seems incredible to me now that the seed was sown when I attended the AA Aspiring Registered Consultants’ Day at Rugby College in November 2018, as that seems like such a long time ago! I took advantage of the ‘free go’ and the report and plans I submitted were well received. Encouraged by that, I set about pulling together my portfolio with every intention of using the momentum. However, Covid put a stop to that and in early 2020, the focus was more about survival.

‘As it turned out, the world post-Covid was actually very busy and the focus was then on getting the work out! Aiming to make a submission was always an intention and time was put aside on a regular basis.

This time was, in general, swallowed up by some deadline or other that had to take precedence. What made the difference for me was the change to having the two specific submission dates. I love a deadline. Inevitably, the portfolio had to change and new reports were chosen.

‘The whole process has been very good for my practice in that every aspect has been critically assessed internally in an effort to turn out the best possible new standard. I’m pleased to have taken part and that I am already seeing enquiries from new clients.’

Peter Holloway

Left: Sitting on my late father’s sidecar motocross bike (now used by my brother). Not a professional photo but nobody snaps you while you’re working, do they? Right: Graduation Day 4th July 1983 Clarence Street, Lancaster, a few months before I started a career in trees as a tree surveyor at Westminster City Council.

‘I have never been much of a badge collector, although in 1977, in typical punk fashion, I did wear a Stiff records badge. A collection of five badges saying Ian Dury&, sex&, drugs&, rock&, roll& were “de rigueur” but I was not chic enough for those so I wore one that said, “If you’re sad it’s over it must have been a Stiff”. 

‘When I worked in Westminster City Council in the mid-1980s, you were allowed toasters in the office (office toasters are now history because of smoke alarms) and we consumed mountains of jam. We collected the tokens that came on the jars and sent away for badges, until we realised the caricature they were based on is offensive. Doctor, policeman, nurse, fireman, astronaut – you get the picture. No arboriculturist badge, and there never will be. However, after working in the industry for 40 years (4th October 1983 until today) I have an arboriculturist badge. I became an Arboricultural Association Registered Consultant on 30th November 2023. And in one and a half days I had three enquiries – impressive.

‘The application process was cathartic, requiring surgery on previous standards and practice but thoroughly enjoyable, like having a personal trainer, a dialect coach or an intimacy coordinator helping you to perform at your best.’