In addition to undertaking Callophrys Tree Consultancy projects, I am one of only two Scottish-based arboriculturists registered as an Approved Contractor with Savills Rural as a tree surveyor. This means I am sometimes asked to assist Savills’ staff with tree inspections and surveys.

Today was one such occasion. In glorious sunshine, I spent an enjoyable day with Alasdair Baxter, Savills Arboriculture Manager, as we carried out a roadside tree safety inspection along the B846 on the north shore of Loch Rannoch between Kinloch Rannoch and the Allt an Ceardaich burn.

If ever an environment epitomised the ‘right tree, right pace’ principle, then it was today’s survey site. Almost ubiquitously, the trees were flourishing and full of vigour; a cornucopia of sessile oak (Quercus petraea), silver birch (Betula pendula), downy birch (Betula pubescens), hazel (Corylus avellana), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), grey alder (Alnus incana), bird cherry (Prunus padus) – even the ash (Fraxinus excelsior) was largely devoid of any signs of ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus).

Today was a good day.