FOR some time now, Sorbus International has been visiting colleges and universities the length and breadth of the UK to educate arboriculture and forestry students about modern technologies available in these sectors.

These presentations are provided entirely free of charge and are very popular as not only do students gain more knowledge but they also get the invaluable experience of actually using some of these modern devices – some being priced in excess of £20,000.

Forestry Journal:

The presentations are hosted by Phil Wade (director) and Mark Vestey (technical support manager) and cover decay detection (IML microdrills, PICUS sonic and electrical resistance tomography), general tree stability assessment (PICUS TreeQinetic and tree motion sensors), survey devices for height/distance etc measurement (Haglof ECII-D clinometer and GEO devices), tree care (BITE tree infusion, trichoderma treatments) and biosecurity awareness. For students studying forestry, the content can also include modern methods of mensuration, plot surveys etc (i.e. the Haglof DPII computer callipers).

The content can be tailored to suit all levels of students, ranging from Level 2 Arb up to Level 6 and beyond first degree level, so all can benefit.

Phil Wade said: “I can just about remember being a student myself, having to read about and understand technologies that I would never realistically get the chance to use until much later in my career.

“We give students the opportunity to learn in an open and accessible manner with the odd bit of humour thrown in here and there to maintain interest. I don’t think I have ever delivered the same presentation twice as I tend to feed off the audience and respond to their input.

“Arboriculture and forestry provide excellent career paths and one of the goals is to show students there is something to aim for beyond using a chainsaw and climbing when the years start to take their toll on the body.”

Forestry Journal remains dedicated to bringing you all the latest news and views from across our industry, plus up-to-date information on the impacts of COVID-19.

Please support us by subscribing to our print edition, delivered direct to your door, from as little at £69 for 1 year - or consider a digital subscription from just £1 for 3 months.

To arrange, follow this link: https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/subscribe/

Thanks – and stay safe.