Having recently left my old job I am looking for a new career. Can anyone tell me how I would go about training to become a tree surgeon, or general info on courses in horticulture/chainsaw use etc.
thanks.
J

An old schoolfriend of mine went to Grismby college to take horticulture, as he too wanted to be a tree surgeon. I don't think there are may specific courses on the subject (especially in Sheffield), try going to the central Library for some information or call the Sheffield college.

Not sure if they still do but when I was there in 1996-97 Loxley College right here in Stannington had a horticulture course.

You could try Broomfield College near Derby, they are well known as an agricultural college, and may well have courses that would suit your needs. ;)

I'm currently working my way through these (http://www.rhs.org.uk/Learning/education/exams.asp) via the Horticultural Correspondence College (http://www.hccollege.co.uk/) and I'd definately recommend them. You'll need to look into doing a chainsaw course too, there's plenty of places doing these but they can be quite expensive.

It depends on how seriously you want to take it.
The two best schools are at Merrist Wood (http://www.guildford.ac.uk/courses/factsheet.aspx?courseID=NC02LF1A002P&prospectus_title=Arboriculture%20National%20Certif icate,%20level%203) and Myerscough College, Preston (http://www.myerscough.ac.uk/arboriculture/default.asp) who even have a 1-day taster on the 21st of this month if you move quickly (deadline was yesterday!) .here (http://www.myerscough.ac.uk/coursesearch/factsheet.asp?Reference=04FETASTER&Query=Arboriculture)