Level 2 Arboriculture


urban forest volunteer in training, woman wearing yellow high-viz jacket

Ian McDermott


Six recipients holding their L2 Arboriculture awards

The first Level 2 Arboriculture course run by Birmingham TreePeople yielded seven (six pictured) excellent students who completed it, pictured here proudly with their certificates. From left to right: Tanya Upton, Tonia Clark (trustee), Deb Cashmore, Willie McGee, Julianne Statham (trustee), and Steve Watson (trustee) (Lawrence Weston, who went on to become the youngest BTP Trustee, not pictured).


Who is L2 Arboriculture for?

Level 2 Arboriculture is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about trees or formalise their existing tree knowledge. Beginners are not only welcome, but encouraged. The L2 Certificate in Arboriculture is designed for anyone working in arboriculture, in both the public and private sectors, whether as paid staff, or voluntary support staff. The course aims to complement their training and experience, and to provide evidence of their knowledge of arboriculture.

Who teaches the course?

Ian McDermott is expertly qualified and experienced in all aspects of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, having worked in the industry for five decades. Ian has served, as either a Trustee or committee member, for BTP since its foundations. There will be written assignments for each module which will be marked by the tutors.

What does the course cover?

The course is made up of six modules:

  1. Basic principles of woodlands, forestry and ecology
  2. The interaction of soil environments and woody plants
  3. Woody plant physiology
  4. The supply, planting and aftercare of woody plants
  5. Principles of tree surgery operations
  6. Tree inspections and statute and common law applied to trees

The training is accredited by SEG and lasts for thirty months. The taught element is mostly online and covers these six modules with approximately seventy sessions. Students are expected to complete four hours a session of self-study, in addition to the taught hours (usually two per learning session), but individual students may choose to do more if they feel it is required.

What do I need to do the course?

The course is online, so you will need internet access, an email address, and to be able to type up assessments. It is helpful to have a computer, with a camera and microphone, so that you can take part in discussions with the tutor and others.

When does it start?

The next course starts in April 2025 and the deadline for applications is the end of February 2025. We’ll run the next course on a rolling programme, so if this year isn’t right for you, there will be other opportunities to do the course in the future. Please express your interest via the application form.

How much does it cost?

The different pricing options are below. We also have some payment options available so please don’t let the cost of course stop you from applying. The course costs:
£750 for existing volunteers in the West Midlands (or a reduced rate of £700 for tree wardens in Birmingham)
£900 for people with an interest in trees
£1,000 for existing workers in the tree industry.
Registration with SEG costs £65 and this fee is applicable to all students regardless of the above noted fee structure.

When you’re accepted onto the course, we’ll send you our bank details or the address for a cheque. We can accept payments in stages over the length of the course. We’ll talk you through this option when we confirm your place.

How do I apply?

Complete the application form below, or download and email it to: [email protected]

There are 10 places on the course, but if we are oversubscribed, we’ll start another course later on in the year. We are particularly keen on applications from people who want to become an Urban Forest Volunteer or who are already, although it’s not essential. If you want to do the course next year, still put in your application form, but write on it 2025.

Any more questions & queries?

Please email [email protected] with any questions you might have about this course or the people running it.


L2 Arboriculture Application Form

L2 Arboriculture course application form for 2023.

  • This could be as an employee, volunteer, or keen horticulturalist.
  • Please choose from the following options. Fees can be paid in instalments.