Arboriculture students celebrate hitting the heights with annual climbing competition

The event is now in its third year, after starting out as an opportunity to test technical climbing skills, and has now evolved into a highlight of the arboriculture calendar, bringing together students, staff and industry partners to celebrate achievement, professionalism and the future of the industry.

Competitors also enjoyed a lunch and prizegiving to bring the academic year to a close.

Susanna Brandon, Curriculum Area Manager for Greenspace & Creative Studies, said: ‘’The real success story is the journey our students have taken.

‘’Many arrived [to study with us] with little or no climbing experience, uncertain of their abilities and unfamiliar with the demands of arboriculture. Through dedication, resilience, countless hours of practice, and the support of their tutors and peers, they have developed into confident young arborists, demonstrating not only technical competence but also the teamwork, discipline, and professionalism that will serve them throughout their careers.

‘’Every competitor should be incredibly proud of how far they have come. The standard on display was outstanding and reflects the commitment these students bring to their training every day.''

‘’A huge thank you and appreciation to our arboriculture tutors for their hard work in organising and facilitating such a successful event. Their passion, expertise and commitment continue to inspire the next generation of arborists.

‘’We are also extremely grateful to our sponsors for their generous support of T-shirts and prizes.''

Click here to find out more about our arboriculture study programmes at our Preston and Liverpool centres at school leaver, degree and apprenticeship level