VETcert project and certification

Talking Trees with Lillie and Jad . In today's episode , we'll be exploring the VETCERT project , an EU-funded initiative aimed at harmonizing the recognition of skills and knowledge in the care of ancient and veteran trees across Europe . The project also included the development of a certification scheme , standardized training curricula and resources for ongoing education .

Welcome back everybody to another Deep Dive . This time we're taking a look at something pretty incredible the specialized care of veteran trees . Now I know you're probably thinking oh , taking care of trees , I know how to do that , you water them , you give them sunlight . But it's actually a lot more complicated than that .

It is , it is .

Especially when we're talking about veteran trees , these ancient giants that have been around for centuries .

Absolutely , and that's where the VET CERT program comes in .

Yeah , tell me a little about this program . What is it ?

So VET CERT . It's all about setting that gold standard for veteran tree specialists across Europe setting that gold standard for veteran tree specialists across Europe .

Okay , so Europe-wide . So this isn't just like a local thing , this is a big deal .

It is a big deal because , as you said , these trees are incredibly important and they need specialized care . It's about recognizing that they're not just bigger versions of younger trees . You know , they have different reactions to things like damage and decay .

Oh , interesting .

Their root systems are much more complex . Their ecological significance is far greater .

So you're telling me that it's not just about you know , trimming a few branches here and there and calling it a day .

No , no , not at all . It's about understanding their unique needs , their history and their role in that wider ecosystem .

So let's break this down a little bit . When we talk about approaching a tree , like , what's the difference between approaching ? So let's break this down a little bit . When we talk about approaching a tree , like what's the difference between approaching , let's say , a young tree versus a veteran tree ?

Okay , well , imagine you're a tree care professional With a young tree . Your focus is going to be on promoting healthy growth . You're going to be pruning for structure , protecting it from pests and essentially just guiding it towards a strong maturity .

Right . So you're kind of setting the stage for a nice long life .

Exactly Laying the foundation .

Exactly the foundation .

Then you have mature trees .

OK .

And here the focus shifts a bit more towards maintaining health and managing their existing structure . Right , things like crown thinning , maybe to let in more light , but then we get to these veteran trees and that's where things change dramatically .

Yeah , so it seems like with young trees and mature trees you're kind of working with what's there . You're trying to help it grow or you're trying to help it stay healthy .

Right .

But with veteran trees it's like a whole other ballgame .

It is a whole other ballgame . These trees are fragile , they're ecosystems in their own right . They these trees are fragile , they're ecosystems in their own right .

Yeah , I mean you think about a tree that's been alive for , let's say , 500 years . Right , it's seen a lot , it's been through a lot and you don't want to be the one to come in and mess that up .

You don't want to mess it up .

So that's where VT-CERT really comes into play .

Exactly Because before VT-CERT there was a real lack of standardized training and certification for veteran tree care in Europe .

So it was kind of like the Wild West out there .

A little bit , a little bit , yeah , and this meant that the quality of pear that these trees received could vary widely , oh wow .

And sometimes improper management even caused harm .

Oh , that's awful .

So that's why VETCERT was created to establish a common European standard for managing these incredible trees .

So tell me about the origins of VETCERT . Who are the people behind it ?

Well , it was a collaborative effort . We had 10 organizations across Europe , including NGOs , training centers and arboricultural associations .

Wow , that's a lot of people .

They all came together to create it , and this collaboration was key to establishing a consistent set of standards across the continent .

So it sounds like they recognized that protecting these ancient trees was bigger than any one organization or country .

It absolutely was . They came together with that shared passion and said , hey , we need to do this right , and so they developed this rigorous exam . And actually there are two levels . Oh yeah , there's the practicing and the consulting levels .

Ok , and those are each tailored to different roles in veteran tree care . Exactly . So , you've got your different levels , but what ? And those are each tailored to different roles in veteran tree care Exactly . So you've got your different levels , but what does the exam actually involve ?

I would think that's pretty easy . It's a big old tree , right .

You'd think so , wouldn't you ? But there's more to it than just seeing a big old tree . You need to be able to distinguish a veteran tree from simply an old tree . Oh okay , there are unique forms , signs of aging , historical context to consider .

So it's not just about the tree itself , it's about its whole story , its whole history . Exactly , okay . What else is on the exam ?

Well , there's a whole unit focused on understanding the intricate ecological roles that veteran trees play . You see , they're like miniature ecosystems supporting a whole web of life . Specialized fungi , rare insects Wow , you name it , rare insects .

Wow .

You name it , they've got it .

So it sounds like it takes a certain kind of person to even want to specialize in this field .

It does , it does . These are the people who understand that veteran trees are more than just trees .

Yeah .

They are living links to the past . They're vital for biodiversity . They often hold deep cultural significance .

So how does the exam test those practical skills ? You mentioned earlier that there's real-life scenarios involved .

Yes , imagine you're a candidate and you're presented with this majestic ancient oak .

Oh , wow .

That's showing signs of decay , and your task is to assess its overall health , identify any potential hazards and develop a management plan that considers both preservation and safety .

So it's not just about keeping the tree alive , it's also about making sure that it's not a danger to anybody .

Exactly . You would need to show that you can do a thorough visual inspection , maybe use tools to assess the tree's internal structure .

You're really giving that tree a physical You're giving a checkup A a checkup , that's a great way to put it .

It's not just about knowing the theory . You need to be able to apply it on the ground , literally .

Yeah , get your hands dirty .

You do , and that's what makes BET Cert so valuable . It really sets that high bar , ensuring that certified professionals have the skills and knowledge to truly protect these irreplaceable trees .

Yeah , and it's a demanding field , I imagine .

It is demanding but incredibly rewarding .

Yeah .

And it's fascinating to see how the exam even goes beyond just the science of trees .

Really , what do you mean by that ?

Well , there's a whole unit dedicated to assessing the cultural and historical significance of veteran trees .

Oh , interesting .

So it's not just about the biology , but also their connection to human history .

Oh wow , that makes a lot of sense Because , like we were saying , these trees have been around for so long .

They've seen so much history .

They've seen it all , so they're not just part of the natural world , they're part of our human world as well .

Exactly , and a VET cert specialist needs to be able to recognize these aspects and understand how they might influence the management and preservation of the tree . It's this unique blend of science and cultural sensitivity .

It's like you got to be a historian and a scientist all in one .

A little bit of both . It's a really interesting field .

Yeah , that's

Yeah .

I'm curious what are some other unique areas that the exam covers ?

Risk management is another critical unit .

Oh , okay .

Because veteran trees , just by their very nature , are more susceptible to hazards , whether it's structural weaknesses , disease or even human interference . A VET cert specialist needs to be able to assess these risks and know how to mitigate them .

So it's like finding that balance between , you know , letting the tree age naturally and also making sure that it's safe .

Exactly . It's about making informed decisions that prioritize the tree's well-being while also considering the safety of the surrounding environment . Right well-being while also considering the safety of the surrounding environment Right . This might involve things like installing support systems , carefully pruning hazardous branches or even , in some cases , restricting public access .

Wow . So there are a lot of factors to consider .

There are a lot of factors , but that's part of what makes veteran tree care such a specialized field .

Speaking of specialized , let's talk about a place where you can actually take this exam and become certified .

Ah yes , the Czech Republic .

The Czech Republic .

They've been involved with VTCERT from the very beginning . In fact , they were one of the founding members of the original project .

Oh , wow .

Which shows their dedication to veteran tree preservation .

So they weren't just offering the exam , they actually helped to shape the whole program .

They helped shape the program . They brought their own expertise , the whole program . They helped shape the program . They brought their own expertise and insights , hoping to develop the curriculum , the exam structure , the whole process .

That's really impressive .

And the fact that they offer the VAT cert exam in English means that they've opened up this training to a global audience .

That's fantastic , it is .

It highlights the global recognition that standardized expertise in veteran tree care is critical to the preservation of these incredible trees .

Yeah , it's not just a European issue , it's a worldwide issue .

It is .

Now , you mentioned earlier that the exam involves these real-life scenarios .

Right .

What might those involve ?

Okay , so imagine you're a candidate and you're facing that majestic ancient oak that we were talking about before . You've assessed it , you've done your physical . Now you need to present your management plan . This is where you demonstrate that you can turn knowledge into action .

So it's not just about knowing this stuff . You have to be able to actually do it .

You've got to do it . You might have to explain , for instance , why certain branches need pruning or how you'd install a support cable .

Right .

All while taking into account the tree's age , health and any cultural significance that it might have .

So you have to think on your feet .

You do , you really do .

And you have to be able to defend your choices .

You have to be able to back it up .

Yeah , it sounds like a really intense exam .

It is a challenging exam .

But it really highlights the level of expertise required to be a certified VTCERT specialist .

It does , and that level of expertise is becoming increasingly important . As we face all of these challenges , like urbanization and climate change , these trees are facing more pressure than ever before .

So it's not just about , you know , taking care of them in a vacuum .

Yeah .

You have to think about all these external factors as well .

Absolutely .

Well , this has been really enlightening .

Good good .

I'm really glad we had this conversation .

Me too .

I feel like I've learned a lot , and I hope our listeners have as well .

Me too .

And I think it's really important to bring awareness to this issue because , you know , you know , trees are so important .

They are .

And especially these veteran trees . They're like living history .

Living history .

And they deserve our protection .

Absolutely .

That brings up an important point what does the future hold for veteran tree care ? What are some of the emerging trends or challenges on the horizon ?

One of the biggest challenges is simply awareness . Many people still don't realize the importance of veteran trees or the specialized care they need . We need to educate not just professionals but the public as well .

So it's about fostering a sense of stewardship both within the industry and among the general public .

Precisely , and as cities continue to grow , the pressure on veteran trees will only increase . We need to advocate for their protection in urban planning and development , ensuring they're seen not as obstacles but as valuable assets . Need to advocate for their protection in urban planning and development , ensuring they're seen not as obstacles but as valuable assets .

It's about finding ways to integrate them into our modern world , not just pushing them aside .

Exactly . And of course , we can't forget about climate change . Veteran Crees have survived centuries of environmental shifts , but the pace of change now is unprecedented .

So it's about understanding how they'll be impacted by things like rising temperatures , drought and extreme weather events .

Yes , and developing adaptive management strategies to help them cope with these challenges .

It adds another layer of complexity to an already specialized field .

It does , but I'm optimistic . The growing interest in veteran tree care , the development of programs like VET-CERT and the increasing recognition of their value All of this gives me hope for the future .

It's a reminder that we have the power to make a difference , and sometimes that difference starts with simply appreciating the majesty of a tree that stood for centuries .

Well said , and if our discussion today has sparked your interest , I encourage you to learn more .

And who knows , maybe you'll be inspired to join the growing ranks of those dedicated to protecting these living legacies that would be fantastic because , ultimately , the fate of these trees is in our hands . Well , this has been such an insightful look into a field I knew very little about .

Good .

I think I can speak for our listeners when I say that we've all gained a newfound appreciation for these ancient trees and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting them .

I agree , and I hope that our conversation today will inspire others to take an interest in veteran trees yeah , whether it's simply learning more about them or even considering a career in this fascinating and rewarding field .

That's a great point For anyone listening who wants to learn more . Where would you suggest they start ?

The VETCert website is a great resource . You can find information about the program itself , upcoming exam dates and even links to organizations that offer training courses .

So it's a one-stop shop for everything VET CERT related .

It is , and beyond that , I encourage everyone to simply get out and experience these trees firsthand . I encourage everyone to simply get out and experience these trees firsthand . Yeah , visit a local park , a botanical garden , or even just take a closer look at the trees in your own neighborhood .

That's wonderful advice . Thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your expertise . It's been a pleasure .

The pleasure was all mine .

And to our listeners , thanks for joining us on this deep dive into the world of veteran tree care . Until next time , keep exploring , keep learning and let's all do our part to protect these living treasures for generations to come .

That brings us to the end of this episode of Talking Trees . Thank you for tuning in and , as always , we appreciate your support . Thank you for tuning in and , as always , we appreciate your support . We'll be back with more insightful discussions in the next episode . Until then , keep growing your knowledge and caring for the trees around you .