A 54-year-old forestry worker with East Lothian Council has become the 500th person to achieve the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) Certificate in Arboriculture.

George Findlay, who lives in Port Seton, had worked in forestry when he left school, but took 17-year break driving buses, before returning to the job he loves.

He said: "The council asked whether I wanted to take the course at Lanark Agricultural College, and I am delighted that I did. It answered so many questions - not just about why certain practices are carried out, but also, why some of those we used to use are no longer acceptable."


The Level Two RFS Certificate in Arboriculture is a two- part 'craftsman' exam. Part 1 is a theory examination administered by ABC Awards and Part 2 is a series of practical elements assessed and certificated by NPTC (National Proficiency Tests Council).

RFS Chief Executive Dr John Jackson said: "Forestry is continually changing and there is always something new to be learned. The RFS Certificate in Arboriculture is designed to meet the needs of today's woodsmen and is delivered by a number of different colleges across the country.

"The course delivers a broad base of skills and is recognised as a certificate of competence by local authorities and many other organisations, and is suitable not just for those starting a career in forestry but also for people looking to update skills or to retrain."

Compulsory practical modules on the course include: maintaining chainsaws; felling small trees and brushwood chippers. Three optional modules must also be taken with a choice of 13 topics including bracing and supporting, specialist pruning, stump grinding and clearing individual windblow trees.

(GK/JM)