Paolo Bavaresco is widely recognised as being one of the leading practitioners on tree climbing & rigging techniques in the UK. In addition, he has a thorough understanding of the fundamentals involved with tree climbing and rigging operations, that has lead to his development of unique working concepts. These epitomise what professional arborists require - safe, efficient and productive systems of work.

Paolo's expertise does not begin and end with rigging - it includes tree hazard assessments, and consulting on, and exercising, technical tree removals and sensitive pruning operations. In addition, he has authored research projects and guidance on safe systems of work for the HSE and industry safety councils (e.g. Safe Use of Top Handled Chainsaws and Ropes and Friction Hitches Used in Tree Climbing Operations). He is regularly called upon to offer technical advice and trouble shoot for professionals unclear about industry best practice and current legislation.

Over the past 16 years, Paolo has complimented his practical skills and experience with formal qualifications. This began with a City & Guilds in Forestry, soon followed by the National Certificate and National Diploma in Arboriculture from Merrist Wood College (higher education had yet to expand into specific arboricultural qualifications). Three years ago he gained the ISA Certified Arborist status. He has also undertaken many specific instructor training programmes and has attained the D32/33 assessor qualification. Continued professional development is taken very seriously and is the main motivation for regular forays to work and teach abroad. This compliments his depth of experience from undertaking utility, domestic, public and commercial contracts for many years, again at home and abroad. He still regularly practices his practical skills and helped pioneer many of the new techniques & equipment now common in the UK.

Most practical arborists probably know Paolo through his many articles on tree climbing and rigging for essential arb and The Landscaper magazines, or have met him on the ISA competition circuit or during demonstrations at high profile events. He has been a regular masters finalist in the UK competitions, winning the Welsh Open in 2000 and the AA annual conference comp 2001. He was also a member of the 2nd placed British team for the European champs in 2000.

Despite regular success in the competitions, Paolo readily states that although they help develop and promote new/radical innovations and techniques, they do not explain limitations and are no substitute for structured training. They only represent a small proportion of what is required to be an accomplished professional;

"Competitions don't take into consideration safe chainsaw use, pruning, rigging and knot tying skills. They can't take account of applied knowledge of rigging forces, tree bio-mechanics or biology. Not to mention the required qualities of an individual that helps create a professional. This takes time and coaching that must begin with quality basic training, to establish industry best practice from the outset. This must be complemented by regular updates, and specific training for any advanced equipment and techniques, that are put to use in the work place. Failure to provide adequate training is a breach of the Health & Safety at Work Act, and a commitment to training extends way beyond the skills required to pass basic proficiency tests".