Veteran Tree Specialist Accreditation

We are delighted to announce that our Principal Arboriculturist and Chartered Forester Guy Morrison has been awarded VetCert Veteran Tree Specialist status.

VetCert accreditation is a pan-European award which recognises specialist skills and knowledge in veteran tree survey, assessment and management. It is managed in the UK by the Arboricultural Association and the Ancient Tree Forum and awarded to tree consultants and practitioners meeting the standards set by the VetCert scheme. 

Gaining VetCert status is notoriously difficult, and in the UK only around 50 consultants hold this much coveted certification.  We are exceptionally proud of Guy on this well deserved success which recognises his expertise in veteran trees developed over his more than 30 year career in arboriculture and forestry.  

To gain a place to sit the exam Guy had to submit a CV demonstrating a strong portfolio of work with veteran trees and advising veteran tree managers.

Guy’s portfolio extends from advising on the management of veteran trees in historic landscapes for conservation organisations to advising on sustainable management of veteran trees within the context of planning and development.

Having been offered a place to sit the exam, in March 2025 Guy underwent the rigorous VetCert assessment at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire, completing both written and oral exams.

During his career Guy has advised on the management of nationally important ancient and veteran tree populations, including recent projects advising on the remarkable trees of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal for the National Trust . Guy also provides veteran tree advice to arboretums, parks, gardens and rural estates, with recent projects including Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Mulgrave Estate, Howick Park and Allerton Park, Yorkshire. He also advises on veteran trees in relation to development and approaches to managing tree risk associated with veteran trees.

Reflecting on the award, Guy said:

“Advising on veteran and ancient trees requires not just technical skills in arboriculture, but also an appreciation of the historic, cultural and landscape context of trees of great age, as well as knowledge of their biological and ecological value and potential.”

He noted that:

“I have gained this breadth through my combined backgrounds in arboriculture, forestry and ecology, which allows me to provide a rounded approach to advising on veteran tree management.” 

Guy went on to say:

“I am delighted to now be VetCert accredited, and look forward to supporting the future management of veteran trees in whatever context they find themselves in today – be it urban or rural, wood pasture or parkland, garden, churchyard, school or development site.”

Do you need advice on ancient or veteran trees?

Please contact guy@enviroscope.co.uk or call us on 01904 479094.  He is always happy to “chat trees”!

Rest assured our advice comes from a VetCert Specialist in Veteran Trees!