Introducing Our Team

Whatever your arboricultural needs our multi discipline team have a wealth of knowledge and experience in both the Public and Private sectors, whilst our policy of supporting and encouraging our people to embrace a culture of life long learning maintains their cutting edge of interest and enthusiasm.

Mark Hinsley

Mark founded the company in 1994 and has 35 years experience in arboriculture and horticulture.  Mark switched from the practical side of the industry to the technical in 1987 when he became a Local Authority Tree Officer. Prior to that he had been an instructor in the Arboricultural Dept. of Merrist Wood College and a commercial Tree Surgeon. 1990 - 1994 Mark spent four years as an in-house Consultant with an Approved Contractor of the Arboricultural Association. 

Mark holds an OND in Arboriculture from Merrist Wood College (1979), is a Professional member of the Arboricultural Association (M.Arbor.A.) and, leading by example, last year successfully completed his MSc in Resource Management (Arboriculture & Forestry) from Middlesex University.

Mark's experience with trees in the planning and planning appeals field is immense, his approach to liability and condition surveys is pragmatic and his manner as an expert witness is unruffled and professional. The overriding principles upon which Mark has built this successful practice are that we serve the needs of our clients and we go the extra mile.

Alison Parish

Alison joined the practice in 2006.  She holds a BSC Hon in Ecology and the prestigious Master of Horticulture from the Royal Horticultural Society (M.Hort.). In addition to ecological research, she has in the past instructed students in both horticulture and arboriculture.  Alison previously worked for 15 years as a local authority Landscape Officer and Planning Consultant where she developed an expertise in tree planting, tree planning issues, establishment of trees and community woodlands.

Alison is currently specialising in the production of Arboricultural Constraints reports, Impact Assessments, Method Statements and planting and maintenance proposals to accompany planning applications and discharge planning conditions.  Alison's thorough and professional approach to tree retention, protection and planting issues, coupled with her strong background in Town and Country Planning gains her immediate respect from both sides of the planning process, thus enabling her to be a very effective bridge between the aspirations of the developer and the constraints of the Council.

Dan Lambert

Dan has worked for the practice along side his studies for over 2 years now.  During that time he has completed the BTEC National Diploma in Arboriculture with distinction from Sparsholt College in Winchester where he was awarded the David Cheshire prize for the top student in his year.  Not resting on his laurels, Dan is currently studying for a Foundation Degree in Arboriculture also with Sparsholt College, with a view to going on to complete an Honours Degree.   Dan holds the various NPTC Certificates for Tree Climbing and Tree Work and maintains an interest in practical tree surgery work; Dan is therefore particularly well qualified to undertake climbing inspections when necessary.    Dan has that rare combination of academic achievement and practical common sense which makes him a natural problem solver. Within the company he carries out instructions with regards to planning application reports as well as tree liability assessments.

John came to us last year and is proving to be a valuable asset.  John has a wealth of knowledge in building, surveying and architecture, having previously trained as a civil engineer.  John holds an HNC in Building Construction and has considerable experience in land surveying and the production of topographical drawings. He is currently spearheading our adoption of the CAD system for the production and management of site plans. John's knowledge of construction is proving extremely useful in our discussions regarding what can and cannot be achieved whilst exploring ways of integrating trees and buildings.   Consistent with company policy, like Dan, John is also studying for a Foundation Degree in Arboriculture, this time as a total distance learning package from Myerscough College. John has demonstrated his dedication and application to Arboriculture by successfully completing the first year of his course via this difficult means that requires more than average application and self discipline from the Student.   John is already making a positive impact and his role within the practice will expand. We believe that ultimately an Arboricultural Consultant with a sound understanding of building principles, will be virtually unique and an extremely valuable member of our team. At present John is carrying out tree surveys and visiting sites with other staff members as part of ongoing arboricultural training.

John Christopher

Administration and accounts team   Claire Perry (left) has been with us on a part time basis since 2004. Claire has a thorough understanding of our business and a phenomenal memory for clients and their sites; she deals with most of our accounting issues. Teresa O'neale joined us a year ago as our full time administrator and quickly came to grips with the challenges of her important role. Together they make an excellent team, kind and sympathetic to clients, but terrifying to any of us that don't meet our deadlines! Both have recently undertaken a CAD training course.