Sawpod Ltd are an independent Forestry and Arboriculture Training Business, training people in all aspects of the tree industry. Specializing in taking complete novices and transforming them into credible candidates for the industry, the company are accredited trainers for Service Leavers and have successfully trained over 60 candidates in 8 years providing this service. Many local companies are regular users for refresher training, among these the Kew Gardens Arboriculture Team!
Sawpod are a husband and wife team who are passionate about their jobs. Di Darbyshire is the first contact for training – she tries to be inclusive and help people navigate the confusing array of qualifications, making sure that they are directed to funding if it is applicable and trying to make the experience of training to work in trees run smoothly. Tony Darbyshire is the principle trainer who is enthusiastic to the point of obsession in his subject of trees and treework! You probably couldn’t find another instructor who has so much enthusiasm for his job. Between them they put the candidate first – making sure their time with the company is exceptional. They are passionate about trees and making sure the people who come to train with them leave with the best training. The company like to make training accessible to everyone by simplifying the paperwork. No stone is left unturned in providing the best teaching and support for our candidates. The feedback speaks for itself (please check out the company profile on the ELCAS website for this). With links to the Orangutan charity and the world of trees – they have a belief that their job is to promote respect for the environment and train the next generation accordingly.
Sawpod support the tree industry by being involved in training seminars, judging and providing prizes and organising tree climbing competitions: supporting the industry in promoting new and innovative ideas for kit and systems to make the job of tree work safer and easier on the body, the company have designed and made 2 products for tree work (sold worldwide), they are also involved worldwide in promoting best practice in kit and training.
Sawpod train to a standard over and above that required by the awarding bodies, giving their free time to educate the wider public in the benefit of trees. Once people have trained with Tony, they are encouraged to become part of the Sawpod Family by following the company on both Instagram and Facebook, here they continue to promote the industry and encourage discussion on tree issues, identification, fungi, disease etc. This is also a hub for candidates to get the latest information on new kit and ideas for ropework and climbing techniques along with links for jobs here and abroad.