About Active Arb
educating arborists
At Active Arb, we believe great arborists aren't simply created by passing assessments; they're developed through a combination of practical experience, theoretical knowledge, and a genuine understanding of how the skills they are learning apply within the arboricultural industry.
Based in Gloucestershire, Active Arb delivers professional Arboricultural training, NPTC assessments, and LOLER inspection services, combining over 20 years of practical Arboricultural experience with a background in further education.
Our aim is simple: to develop confident, competent arborists who leave our courses ready to apply their skills safely and effectively in the real world.
“working with luke made the whole experience bearable”
Training is at the heart of everything we do, and we believe the way people are taught is just as important as what they are taught.
Every individual learns differently. That's why our courses are designed around a learner-focused approach that combines practical demonstrations, engaging discussions, visual learning, and hands-on experience. By adapting our teaching to suit different learning styles, we make even the most technical subjects accessible, enjoyable, and easy to understand.
Whether you're stepping into the industry for the first time or building on years of experience, our goal is to help you develop confidence alongside competence.
Our approach to education
Active Arb was founded by Luke Townsend, an experienced arborist, lecturer, and NPTC assessor with over 20 years within the arboricultural industry.
Having worked throughout the UK, New Zealand, and Canada before moving into further education, Luke has spent the last eight years teaching arboriculture to apprentices, college students, and industry professionals. This combination of practical experience and educational expertise has shaped the learner-focused philosophy that sits at the heart of Active Arb today.
During his time in further education, Luke completed a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training. While the qualification was an important milestone, it was the educational theory behind it that truly transformed his approach to teaching. It reinforced the importance of becoming a dual professional—combining extensive arboricultural experience with proven teaching practice to create training that is engaging, inclusive, and genuinely effective.
Rather than simply teaching candidates how to pass an assessment, Luke's focus is on creating engaging, learner-focused training that develops confident, competent arborists with the knowledge, practical ability, and critical thinking skills required to succeed within the industry.
Luke is passionate about making arboriculture accessible to everyone, creating supportive learning environments where candidates are encouraged to ask questions, develop confidence, and enjoy the learning process as much as the practical work itself.
Meet the owner
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