Tree Hazard and Risk Assessment - An Introduction


A workshop to be held at Barcham Trees on 27th October 2010, welcoming guest speaker Jack Kenyon representative of NATO.

Jack Kenyon will be presenting 2 workshops for NATO.

'Tree Hazard and Risk Assessment - an introduction' and 'Tree Hazard and Risk Assessment - advanced'

These two workshops are aimed at individuals engaged in the processes of tree hazard assessment. This may include consulting arboriculturists, landscape architects, highways engineers and open space managers. The workshops will involve participation of the delegates throughout the day. Recent case law has focused attention on the level of knowledge, training and competence of those assessing the hazard potential of trees. It is vital that the professionals involved are well equipped to assess the risk of failure of trees. Apart from the high demands of individual expertise, other facets, knowledge of science, the recording methodology and auditing of records, are essential. The aim of this workshops is to increase an understanding of biology and biomechanics relevant to the structural integrity of trees. Also to adopt a systematic approach to assessing the hazard potential of trees within the framework of current legislation and requirements for record keeping. Specific aspects to be covered include: legislation and lessons to be learnt from case law; biological and bio-mechanical assessments; the process of assessment of potential failure of trees; assessing the level of risk; record keeping.

The introductory workshop is aimed at those who have recently come into their jobs in both local government and the private sector. The presenter will be able to quickly assess knowledge levels and experience/expertise and enable those attending to come away with a solid grounding in the subject area. The advanced level is aimed at those with more experience who need to either refresh their knowledge or update themselves on new and challenging issues that they face in their current jobs. It is this introductory seminar that will be held at Barcham.

For details of how to book onto this seminar or for dates of the Advanced workshop, please see the NATO website:

Go to the NATO website