Recorded at the first UK Arborist Crane School, this episode captures what could be a defining moment for the future of crane-assisted tree work in the UK.

Hosted by Medi Arb Training in Warwickshire, the event brought together an exceptional team of industry leaders. Dan and the team at Medi Arb Training provided the venue and vision, while the Formazione3t trainers travelled from Italy to share the knowledge and experience gained from delivering crane schools across Europe. Alongside them, Ron Stanley billy Farrelly + Dave Juby  combined decades of practical expertise with a passion for raising standards and creating safer, more professional crane operations within arboriculture.

This wasn’t just another training event. The school also welcomed representatives from the Arboricultural Association, who presented and discussed the forthcoming revisions to the TG4 guidance document. Although the updated guidance has not yet been officially released, attendees were given valuable insight into the changes ahead, ensuring the training delivered over the three days aligned with the latest thinking and best practice within the industry.

As cranes become increasingly common on complex tree work operations across the UK, the need for structured education, clear guidance and industry-wide standards has never been greater. This episode explores how collaboration between training providers, industry experts, associations and contractors is helping to shape the future of crane work in arboriculture.

Whether you’re an experienced crane operator, climber, arborist, business owner or simply passionate about advancing our industry, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Links to trainers / schools

Ron Stanley 07951 032126

https://mediarb.co.uk/

https://www.formazione3t.it/

A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen!

Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam

DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim

Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs)

Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing)

Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

In this episode PART2 Lets get back to this , I sit down with Nick from ArbJobs.com, a pioneering job platform dedicated to arborists worldwide. Over the past 20 years, Nick has built this site from a small idea into a global hub for tree care professionals. We dive into his roots... tree climbing competitions, the challenges he faced along the way, and his vision for the future of arboriculture. If you’re an arborist, or just fascinated by the world of trees, this is a must-listen!

A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen!

Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam

DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim

Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs)

Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing)

Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

It's my pleasure to share this month's podcast with you.

Paul has been an influential figure in the arboricultural industry, helping shape the careers of many of the arborists we know today. He is also a great friend to many of the guests who have appeared on this podcast over the years.

This episode came about following a specific request: some of these gentlemen need to tell their stories before they are lost. Paul has a wealth of knowledge, experience, and history to share, and I'm delighted to help preserve and celebrate his story.

A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen!

Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam

DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim

Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs)

Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing)

Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

In this episode PART1 , I sit down with Nick from ArbJobs.com, a pioneering job platform dedicated to arborists worldwide. Over the past 20 years, Nick has built this site from a small idea into a global hub for tree care professionals. We dive into his roots... tree climbing competitions, the challenges he faced along the way, and his vision for the future of arboriculture. If you’re an arborist, or just fascinated by the world of trees, this is a must-listen!

A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen!

Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam

DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim

Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs)

Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing)

Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

Part 2: In this episode we sit down with Tony Darbyshire, the co-founder of Sawpod Ltd, a UK-based arboriculture training and equipment company born from decades of tree care experience and a passion for sharing knowledge. Tony started his journey into arboriculture back in the late 1980s, training formally at the renowned Merrist Wood College and later branching out into teaching and professional instruction. In 2005 he and his partner Di Darbyshire established Sawpod Ltd — a business “designed by arborists, for arborists” — offering high-quality chainsaw, tree-climbing and aerial rescue courses that go far beyond basic certification to prepare trainees thoroughly for real-world work in forests, woodlands and urban settings.

A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen!

Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam

DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim

Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs)

Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing)

Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

On this week’s episode of the Visual Climber podcast, I take you on a day trip to Aztec, where we dive deep behind the scenes with Nathan and Adam from Forst. We’re capturing content for the massive chipper giveaway, but more than that, we unpack Aztec’s incredible forestry and arb setup—it’s next level. Join us for this exclusive behind-the-scenes chat on how Aztec built their reputation and scaled their success—don’t miss it!

Arbostar https://arbostar.com/referral/41b6583af2?fbclid=PAZnRzaAQFbEtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAaefJnKGQTXavLD9Z0P_iI1NEedV_CPenaa2Qyo7D5npNaiuU2xPn-9-fEScTw_aem_n-iLQvDepZB71ngc3v3BOw

DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim

Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs)

Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing)

Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

Were invited to FORST HQ in the UK to carry out a film shoot for a new Givaway, this isnt any givaway!!! this is probably the largest givaway in Uk ARB History.

Yes if you are listeneing to this around the time of launch then yes FORST are giving Away a chipper!! Listen to our podcast where we go back over forsts history and how they became a leading brand in the Chipper world along with the steps needed to be in for a chnce to WIN A CHIPPER!!

Head FORST SOCIAL MEDIA pages for links

Arbostar https://arbostar.com/referral/41b6583af2?fbclid=PAZnRzaAQFbEtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAaefJnKGQTXavLD9Z0P_iI1NEedV_CPenaa2Qyo7D5npNaiuU2xPn-9-fEScTw_aem_n-iLQvDepZB71ngc3v3BOw

DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim

Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs)

Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing)

Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

In this episode we sit down with Tony Darbyshire, the co-founder of Sawpod Ltd, a UK-based arboriculture training and equipment company born from decades of tree care experience and a passion for sharing knowledge. Tony started his journey into arboriculture back in the late 1980s, training formally at the renowned Merrist Wood College and later branching out into teaching and professional instruction. In 2005 he and his partner Di Darbyshire established Sawpod Ltd — a business “designed by arborists, for arborists” — offering high-quality chainsaw, tree-climbing and aerial rescue courses that go far beyond basic certification to prepare trainees thoroughly for real-world work in forests, woodlands and urban settings.

This is Part 1 of my conversation with tony on how he became the teacher trainer and friend in the tree that many of you know him as. 

A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen!

Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam

DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim

Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs)

Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing)

Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

This episode is one of three podcasts recorded at the Honey Brothers’ Three-Legged Cross HQ (formerly the Tree Kit HQ). I was joined by Master Splicer Lee, who shared his background and how he first entered the world of splicing.

Lee’s journey through the arboricultural industry—from hands-on practitioner to the commercial side—is an engaging and honest listen, filled with the bumps and challenges that shaped his career along the way. We’re truly grateful for everything he’s contributed to the industry.

A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen!

Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam

DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim

Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs)

Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing)

Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

This was an amazing opportunity to visit the new Experience Milwaukee Center and meet some of the incredible people behind the Milwaukee Power Tools team here in Europe. In this episode, I’m joined by Henry, Tom, and Chris. Each of them plays a different role within the industry, but all are deeply involved in education, development, and training within this sector.

We dive into their backgrounds, the evolution of the tools, and the direction Milwaukee is heading—especially when it comes to the future of their battery platforms. It’s an exciting time for innovation, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the next few years of development unfold.

A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen!

Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam

DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim

Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs)

Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing)

Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities )