Build a career outdoors with our arboriculture courses at Moulton College. You’ll develop practical skills, industry knowledge and confidence while working across woodlands and green spaces on our 1,200-acre estate. From tree care to conservation, you’ll gain the experience needed to succeed in this hands-on and fast-growing industry.
At Moulton College, you’ll learn in a friendly and supportive environment with tutors who have real experience working in the arboriculture and forestry industry. Our small class sizes mean you’ll get plenty of individual support, helping you build confidence and progress at a pace that suits you.
You’ll train across our large campus, including woodland areas, specimen trees and ornamental shrubs. This gives you the chance to learn practical skills in real working environments. You’ll also use specialist equipment such as chainsaws, brushwood chippers and modern safety gear with built in communication systems. Workshops are available for learning machinery maintenance too.
Health and safety is a major focus of the course. You’ll learn how to work professionally and safely from the start, preparing you for real industry expectations. You’ll also have the chance to gain extra qualifications – such as chainsaw use, climbing competency and first aid – which can help you stand out to employers.
We work with industry partners who shape parts of the course, offer insight and support work experience. You’ll also take part in trips and visits, previous trips have included Ffestiniog Railway and the National Arboretum, helping you understand the wider sector.
If you enjoy being outdoors and want a practical, active career, Moulton College is the ideal place to begin.
Our courses offer clear progression from Level 1 to Level 3, helping you build your skills step by step.
Level 1 gives you a strong foundation in land based studies. You’ll develop basic outdoor skills, learn about safety and get an introduction to tree care.
Level 2 focuses on the core skills you need in arboriculture, including tree identification, maintenance, safe equipment use and good working practices. You’ll also begin to explore the science behind how trees grow and respond to their environment. Apprenticeships are also available at this level.
Level 3, the T Level in Tree and Woodland Management, allows you to specialise in arboriculture or forestry. You’ll develop advanced practical skills, increase your understanding of conservation and sustainability, and learn how to manage trees in both urban and rural settings.
Across all levels, you’ll gain practical experience and industry relevant qualifications that support your progression into work.
Career opportunities include tree surgeon, arboriculture surveyor, forestry worker, consultant or estate worker. As demand for environmental and land management roles continues to grow, this sector offers strong long term prospects.
Learning on this course is active, hands on and based in real outdoor environments.
You’ll spend a large amount of time working across woodland and green spaces, gaining experience with more than 100 species of trees and shrubs. You’ll develop practical skills in tree care, maintenance and safe equipment use. This is supported by classroom sessions where you’ll learn about topics such as tree biology, conservation and environmental management.
You’ll train using industry standard tools and equipment and learn how to maintain them. Workshop sessions help build your technical understanding, and health and safety is reinforced in everything you do so you feel confident working professionally.
Work experience and links with employers are built into the course, giving you a real understanding of how the industry operates. You’ll also take part in enrichment activities including trips, visits and practical projects across the campus estate, often working alongside other land based courses.
This approach is ideal for learners who enjoy being outdoors and working practically. Alongside technical skills, you’ll develop teamwork, problem solving and independence — all essential for future employment or further study.
Have a question?
Have a look at our FAQs below to find out more.
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Arboriculture FAQs
No. You do not need prior experience. Courses are designed to support learners at all levels.
Yes. Most of your learning is hands on and outdoors, with theory sessions to help you understand the work you do.
You’ll use industry-standard equipment such as chainsaws, chippers and safety gear. Full training is provided before use.
Yes. You can work towards qualifications such as chainsaw use, climbing competency and first aid – all valued by employers.
Yes. Health and safety is essential in arboriculture and is built into every practical activity.
Yes. You’ll need appropriate outdoor clothing and protective equipment for practical sessions. This typically includes items such as safety boots, chainsaw protective clothing and specialist PPE required for arboriculture work.
You can purchase your equipment from Buxtons, and a full Forestry and Arboriculture kit list is available here.
If you have been awarded a bursary, please quote your student number when placing your order. PPE is only required during practical lessons.
Career options include tree surgeon, arboriculture surveyor, forestry worker, consultant and estate worker, as well as further study.
