Advanced Arboriculture has four arboricultural consultants.
Graham Joyce – Senior Consultant 
After completing his BSc Hons at University College London, Graham opted for an outdoor life and has developed a career in arboriculture pursued to the highest professional level. His contracting company, Dartmoor Tree Surgeons, is not only an Approved Contractor of the Arboricultural Association, but was the first tree surgery firm in the UK to win the respected Investors in People award. In tandem with nurturing the craft and professionalism of his tree surgery firm, Graham has pursued a highly successful career as a freelance arboricultural consultant. In this capacity he has worked for a broad range of clients throughout the UK since 1993. Graham helped to raise the profile and professionalism of consultancy in the South West through organising a study programme for arboriculture professionals (including contractors, local authority Tree Officers, and others), which led to examination for the Royal Forestry Society’s Diploma in Arboriculture. Graham was the only contractor on the course to be awarded the diploma (with credit), and believes that his wide and solid experience in the field as a practicing tree surgeon, allied with his original scientific training, has given him the best base from which to work as a consultant. Graham’s experience covers the most extensive range of tree issues, as reflected by his accreditation as an Expert Witness.
Tom Hurley – Senior Consultant
Having completed an Honours Degree in Forestry (specialising in arboriculture and amenity forestry) at the University of Aberdeen, Tom worked for the Forestry Commission inspecting new woodlands for grant compliance before working as Tree Officer for East Devon District Council. Time spent managing the West London and Home Counties office for Southern Tree Surgeons allowed for further training at the parent company (the F A Bartlett Tree Expert Co) laboratories in North Carolina. Tom has worked as an independent arboricultural consultant since 1999 and has worked across the UK and the Isle of Man for clients including Transport for London, Michael Auckett Architects, Defence Estates, Tesco and Hyder Consulting. He brings his broad experience of trees on new development sites to Advanced Arboriculture and is also responsible for the preparation of CPD seminars and appeal hearings. Tom is also one of the very few arborists who is also a Prince2 Practitioner.
Joel Gray – Arboricultural Consultant
Joel started in the world of arboriculture as a climbing arborist. After completing a Forestry and Arboriculture Level 3 training course at Bicton College, Joel went on to work for numerous arboricultural firms as well as working as a sub contract climber. Through this he was able to develop deep experience with practical tree operations. This was followed by a move towards training and he took a position at Bicton College teaching on the Level 3 Arboriculture course alongside self-employment; running his own tree surgery outfit. After extensive experience as a climbing arborist with competency in all aspects of practical arboriculture, Joel sought to expand his academic knowledge and skills. Following his passion for trees, he successfully completed the University of Lancashire’s online FdSc Arboriculture degree course hosted by Myerscough College. This blend of practical ‘on the tools’ experience and theoretical knowledge has helped to develop Joel into a skilled and considerate consultant.
Rich Firminger – Arboricultural Technician
Rich has always been interested in working with trees. After working in manufacturing, the building trade and as an apprentice engineer, he undertook an NVQ at Bicton College and trained as a climbing arborist. Working as a freelance subcontractor brought him to our sister company Dartmoor Tree Surgeons, where he demonstrated excellence in all aspects of practical arboriculture. Following this, Rich moved into arboricultural surveying, carrying out utility and safety surveys across the South-West. There he developed experience of meeting a range of stakeholders to discuss and agree proposed plans. In his move to Advanced Arboriculture, Rich has further expanded this knowledge and skills where now successfully blends his practical arboricultural know-how with a deep understanding of planning law and trees within a built environment, working primarily as part of our British Standard 5837 team. Rich has volunteered for the Woodland Trust and RSPB giving him valuable knowledge of habitat management, conservation, coppicing and constructing walkways. He has also led courses on safe felling techniques to volunteers using handsaws. In his spare time Rich also enjoys running and walking outdoors, and has excellent knowledge of the South West.