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About the Consultancy

Ralph Baggs, Arboricultural Consultant

Ralph Baggs

Director | Arboricultural Consultant

I am an arboricultural consultant specialising in tree risk management, planning, and long-term green space strategy. I work with schools, developers, and private clients to provide clear, practical advice that supports safe, well-managed, and sustainable environments.

My approach is grounded in both technical knowledge and practical experience. I began my career in arboriculture through hands-on work and went on to develop my expertise through formal training and consultancy. Alongside this, I have worked in education as an arboriculture lecturer, supporting the development of the next generation of professionals within the industry.

This combination of site-based experience, teaching, and consultancy shapes how I work today. I focus on delivering advice that is not only technically sound, but also usable in practice — helping clients make decisions that are proportionate, defensible, and aligned with how their sites are actually used.

How I Work

Much of my work centres on helping clients move away from reactive tree management towards a more structured and long-term approach. This includes:

  • Understanding tree condition and risk
  • Providing clear, prioritised recommendations
  • Supporting implementation and decision-making over time

Rather than producing overly complex reports, I aim to provide straightforward, decision-ready guidance that clients can rely on with confidence.

Background

Outside of consultancy, I have always had a strong interest in how landscapes are shaped and used — including hands-on involvement in building and maintaining outdoor environments. This has developed a practical understanding of soils, structures, and how spaces function over time, which directly informs my work in:

  • Planting design
  • Soil and rooting environments
  • Habitat and woodland management

What Makes Us Different

Clear Recommendations

Rather than identifying issues and leaving decisions open, we provide prioritised, actionable guidance clients can act on with confidence.

Proportionate Risk Management

Advice is calibrated to how sites are actually used — avoiding over-management while maintaining safety and defensibility.

Long-Term Planning

We help clients build a framework for managing trees over time, not just responding to problems as they arise.

Support Beyond the Report

Our involvement doesn't stop at delivery. We support clients through implementation and decision-making, providing clarity and continuity over time.

Qualifications & Accreditations

  • PgDip Arboriculture
  • LANTRA Professional Tree Inspector
  • Arboricultural Association (AA) Member

About the Company

Highwoods Arboricultural Consultancy was founded to provide clear, practical arboricultural advice for schools, developers, and private clients. We deliver tree risk management and BS5837 services that support proportionate, defensible decision-making while protecting the long-term value of trees and green spaces.

Highwoods Horticulture Ltd is registered in England & Wales, Company No: 16856639.

Area Covered

Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, London, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.

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