Will has spent the last 15 years working in the arboriculture and forestry industry. Starting his career as a tree planter, he progressed onto becoming a climber and then moved into planning, operations management, and compliance.
Whilst working as a Forestry Manager, Will worked on the design, planning and operational delivery of large-scale tree planting projects, and tree risk management.
More recently Will used his experience to follow an interest in HSEQ by taking on a role as SHEQ Manager overseeing a Combined Heat and Power biomass plant, and arboricultural and site clearance operations on highways contracts and construction sites – including Rugeley Power Station.
Will has a great understanding of the industry, both operationally and strategically.
Will’s Qualifications Include:-
Nebosh National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
Nebosh National Diploma in Environmental Management (currently studying)
IOSH Managing Safely
IOSH Safety for Executives and Directors
EN Plus Quality Management Training
ABC Level 4 Certificate in Arboriculture
RFS Certificate in Arboriculture
Quantified Tree Risk Assessment – Registered User
Qualitative Face Fit Training – Train the Tester
Lantra Scoping Bat Surveys for Arboriculture
BCT Secondary Bat Roost Survey – with use of an endoscope
IIRSM – Specialist Member
IIRSM – Recognised Safety Practitioner
IEMA – Associate Member
Arboricultural Association – Technician Member
Plus Previous Experience:-
SHEQ Manager – overseeing the SHEQ responsibilities for a CHP biomass and wood pellet production plant, including the construction and installation phase of the wood pellet production line. In this role Will was the EN Plus Quality Manager, responsible for the end product as it went out to customers, and ensuring all documentation was compliant with the standard. Will also managed the various certifications and accreditations held by the company – ISO 9001+NHSS18, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, FORS Bronze, EN Plus, Woodsure, and Constructionline Silver.
Will provided health, safety and environmental advice on site clearance and arboricultural works across various highways, civil engineering and construction sites.
Forestry Operations Manager – overseeing the design, planning and operational delivery of large-scale conservation and amenity tree planting projects (100,000 – 300,000 trees planted per project), land scape enhancement projects, habitat restoration projects, large- scale mowing and grassland habitat management, tree nursery production, green space improvement works, harvesting contracts, and public access safety works with health, safety and environmental responsibility of all operational works.
Will conducted environmental impact assessments throughout the planning phase of projects, tree risk management – creating the Tree Risk Strategy and Management Plan, tree surveying (VTA and QTRA), protected species surveying, and taking responsibility as the project lead for invasive species management (Grey Squirrels, Muntjac, Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, and Rhododendron). Will was also involved with seed provenance trials (Wild Service Trees – partnered project with Woodland Heritage) creating and plotting sample sites, and AOD surveying and sampling (partnered project with Action Oak and Forest Research).
Throughout this role, Will developed and managed the apprenticeship and internship program.
Arboricultural, Forestry and Land Management Contractor – providing services to local estates and arboricultural, forestry and land management companies, including all aspects of tree works across local Council, highways, civil engineering, private schools, and domestic sites. Will also provided wildflower meadow management, HLS scheme management works, protected species surveying, tree planting, spraying, and INNS management works.