Specialist BS5837 & risk management consultancy
We give developers, landowners, and land managers the clarity they need with defensible assessments, efficient delivery and advice that holds up under scrutiny.
Clear, rigorous arboricultural advice that’s proportionate to your project and built around your programme.
20+
Years in arboricultural practice
<3 days
Avg. quote turnaround
<11 days
Avg. report delivery from survey
80+
Projects completed per year
HOW WE WORK
An approach built on custom project-specific modelling and processes.
Few sites and briefs are the same, so we’ve developed bespoke GIS modelling and detailed CAD approaches that let us address the different specific needs of our clients and their projects.
PRECISE CONSTRAINTS
Terrain-derived shadow, growth projections & adjusted RPAs
Our shadow and daylight impacts are modelled directly from terrain and canopy data rather than simplified template arcs; our canopy growth is projected using published, peer-reviewed growth rate data rather than generic assumptions; and our Root Protection Area (RPA) calculations reflect real-world rooting obstacles. Together, these make sure our assessments reflect the site's real terrain and each individual tree's specific growth.
RISK EVIDENCE
Occupancy & land use modelling
For sites with complex public access, we build custom multi-layered GIS models that translate car park data, event attendance and footfall patterns into usage heatmaps. This gives risk assessments a real objective evidence base to work from, rather than a flat subjective assumptions applied across the whole site, so resources go where the risk actually is - all managed through personalised online dashboards.
INTEGRATED QA AT SCALE
Spatial quality control at scale
For complex or multi-option schemes, we build custom GIS processes that cross-check tree categorisations and dimensions, tag site photos with tree IDs and assess impact data automatically across hundreds of features. This catches inconsistencies before they reach a report, and lets us compare competing design options against the same survey baseline with confidence.
WHAT WE DO
Our services
We work with developers, architects, planning consultants, land agents, estates and local authorities across East Anglia and nationally. Whatever the scale or sector, our work withstands scrutiny.
BS5837 Planning & Development
From early informal guidance and pre-app discussions through to initial BS5837 tree surveys, tree constraints drawings and feasibility studies, supporting assessments and custom documents for planning submission and post-planning construction.
Tree Risk Management
In addition to our extensive experience inspecting trees, we are Lantra Professional Tree Inspection certificated and registered users of the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) approach. We undertake risk assessments for all scales of site.
Protected Trees & Tree Law
Where trees are protected by a Conservation Area, are subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or there are Felling Licence requirements, we can negotiate and specify works to trees, make applications or notifications.
ABOUT US
Tony Sorensen, Director
Tony has been an arboricultural consultant since 2006, specialising in BS5837 planning surveys, tree risk management and arboricultural legal advice for a range of clients and project scales.
A Chartered Member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters and a Professional Member of the Arboricultural Association, Tony's background includes time as an LPA Tree Officer, meaning his advice is grounded in both technical depth and an understanding of the reality of the planning system.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Got a question?
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If there are trees on or within influencing distance of your site, a BS5837 survey is very likely required to validate your planning application. For risk management instructions, a documented assessment is the standard way to evidence your duty of care as a landowner. If you’re not sure where your project sits, send us a short description of the site and proposal and we’ll tell you plainly whether you need our involvement, and at what stage.
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Our fees are based on the scope of work, the site size, number of trees, complexity, access and the documentation required. We’ll provide a detailed written fee proposal for agreement before any chargeable work begins.
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As a general rule we aim to schedule site visits within 7 working days of instruction and issue reports within 7 working days of survey. For larger, multi-phase or time-critical instructions, we’ll agree a specific programme with you at proposal stage. Just let us know your deadline and we’ll tell you upfront whether it’s achievable.
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East Anglia is our core region and where most of our work is based, but we regularly take on instructions further afield including multi-site portfolios and projects across England. Get in touch with your site location and we’ll confirm availability and give you a specific fee proposal.
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No, we don’t. We are an independent consultancy and don’t undertake tree work ourselves. This keeps our recommendations impartial: we have no commercial interest in specifying more work than is needed. We produce specifications to BS3998:2010 for contractors to price and carry out, and can recommend tree surgery companies where useful.
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Tony Sorensen holds BSc (Hons) Arboriculture, is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (MICFor), a Professional Member of the Arboricultural Association (MArborA), a Lantra-certificated Professional Tree Inspector, and a registered QTRA Licensed Practitioner. Certificates and registration numbers are available on request for due diligence or tender purposes.
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We carry £2 million professional indemnity and £2 million public liability insurance. Certificates are provided as a matter of course with every fee proposal, and we’re also happy to provide related RAMS directly where required.
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Send us a short description of your site, project and timescale by phone, email or our contact form. We’ll confirm whether you need our involvement, at what stage, and provide a written fee proposal before any chargeable work begins.
Want to discuss your project?
We’ll respond directly and aim to provide a quote within 3 working days.