12 May Supporting Professional Development: Tree climbing and Aerial inspection training
BSG recently supported two of our Ecologists, Emily McVean and Sophie Vickress, through their tree climbing and aerial rescue qualification (City & Guilds NPTC 0039-22). They join an experienced team of ecologists based across the company who are licenced and qualified to climb trees and undertake surveys for bat roosts.
Earlier this year BSG ran an in-house training session to share knowledge and demonstrate safe and efficient methods of undertaking aerial inspection of trees.
Training and development
The training covered practical elements of climbing including rope/line throwing, securing ladders and rope ascension and techniques for safely inspecting for any potential roosting features whilst in the tree. Each member of the team was able to practice setting up ropes, techniques for ascending the tree, limb walking and rope management.
The day provided a great opportunity for the team to try out different approaches, and for the more experienced members of the team to share their knowledge. The training also offered a chance for other ecologists from across the company, who are interested in becoming qualified tree climbers, to get an idea of what is involved.
Feedback
“It was great to get back into some trees after being off for a year on maternity leave. The day was invaluable for getting in some climbing practice, brushing up on safe working procedures and sharing some refreshers with the team. BSG has always been very supportive in ensuring its team has the resources and time they need to keep their skills up to date. And as a bonus the sun was shining!” – Hannah Breadin, Senior Ecologist.
“The tree climbing refresher day was a goldmine of hints and tips for a newly qualified tree climber like me. Our more experienced climbers showed us a range of techniques to make our aerial inspections more efficient – I was amazed by their skills and really appreciated having a day to practice and absorb the information. BSG focusses on continually upskilling all staff. Since joining two years ago, I have been given nearly 200 hours of structured CPD and gained multiple professional certifications.” – Emily McVean, Senior Ecologist
Further information on surveying tress for bats and our capability can be found here: Tree Surveys for Bats
If you need aerial bat surveys, please contact one of our offices