Tree work07884 274693Training01772 369694
High-quality, hands-on arboriculture training, forestry courses, and NPTC qualifications
Courses from £300 to £1,392, with the VAT status shown on every price.
Approved to assess NPTC chainsaw and arboriculture qualifications, and we deliver the training too
We assess these qualifications in our own right
Independently audited tree-work contractor
Verified supplier for public-sector procurement
Safety-first culture, actively managed
Chainsaw Courses and Qualifications in Preston, Lancashire
NPTC City & Guilds chainsaw and climbing qualifications. Small cohorts, independently assessed, at our Preston training centre.
2027 dates are open for booking
Felling and Processing of Small Trees and Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue are fully booked for 2026. One place remains on Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness starting 19 October. We have opened two more Ground Based Chainsaw Operator courses in November 2026, running 9 to 13 November and 23 to 27 November. If you have several candidates, we can arrange bespoke dates for your group.
Call 01772 369694or email training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
Two questions at most. We will name the course, tell you what it qualifies you to do, and show the next date with a place on it.
What do you need to be able to do?
Do you already hold chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting?
Do you already hold Ground Based Chainsaw Operator and Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue?
NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting.
Entry level. No previous certificate needed.
Next date with a place: Monday 1 February 2027 — 4 places left, £692 inc. VAT
NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm.
You need a recognised chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting qualification first.
Next date with a place: Monday 21 June 2027 — 2 places left, £996 inc. VAT
The combined course covers both certificates in one week.
Both certificates together: Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting, and Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm.
Entry level. No previous certificate needed.
Next date with a place: Monday 9 November 2026 — one place left, £1,351 inc. VAT
NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue.
Entry level. No previous certificate needed.
Next date with a place: Monday 15 February 2027 — 2 places left, £1,311 inc. VAT
NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Using a Chainsaw From a Rope and Harness.
You need Ground Based Chainsaw Operator and Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue before this one.
Next date with a place: Monday 19 October 2026 — one place left, £967 inc. VAT
Two courses come before using a chainsaw in the canopy. They can be taken in either order, then this one.
Both certificates together: Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting, and Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm.
Entry level. No previous certificate needed.
Next date with a place: Monday 9 November 2026 — one place left, £1,351 inc. VAT
NPTC Level 2 award in the safe use of a manually fed wood chipper.
Next date with a place: Friday 16 October 2026 — one place left, £300 inc. VAT
There is no single tree surgery qualification. It is a set of NPTC certificates of competence, and most of them have no entry requirements at all. This is the usual route.
The first two have no entry requirements and can be taken in either order. Both must come before using a chainsaw from a rope and harness, which is the only course here that asks for anything first. At the dates shown the three come to £3,629.
The wood chipper certificate is a common addition for ground work, next running Friday 16 October 2026. We advise you hold a current recognised first aid qualification before you start.
Refreshers are arranged around what you already hold and when it was awarded, so they are not on the booking calendar.
Tell us which certificates you hold and we will arrange a date. Call 01772 369694 or email training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk.
Discover 56 Chainsaw Training Courses
| Course Name | Duration | Max on the course | Cost | Location | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodchipper (NPTC L2) | 1 day incl. assessment | 4 | £300 inc. VAT | Preston, Lancashire | City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 |
| Chainsaw Maintenance & Cross Cutting | 2 days + 1 assessment | 4 | £672 inc. VAT | Preston, Lancashire | NPTC Level 2 Certificate |
| Felling & Processing Small Trees | 3 days + 1 assessment | 2 | £967 inc. VAT | Preston & offsite (within 1hr) | NPTC Level 2 Certificate |
| Ground Based Chainsaw Operator | 5 days + 1 assessment | 2 | £1351 inc. VAT | Preston & offsite (within 1hr) | NPTC Level 2 (2 Certificates) |
| Tree Climbing & Aerial Rescue | 5 days + 1 assessment | 2 | £1273 inc. VAT | Preston, Lancashire | NPTC Level 2 Certificate |
| Chainsaw from Rope & Harness | 3 days + 1 assessment | 2 | £967 inc. VAT | Preston, Lancashire | NPTC Level 2 Certificate |
Group sizes are in the table above, beside the days and the price. Four of the courses run with two candidates on them, two run with four.
All candidates enrolled in our training and refresher courses gain automatic access to our exclusive Online E-Learning Portal. This comprehensive resource features purpose-built workbooks and video guides, created by our expert trainers and tailored specifically to your needs. Whether you’re preparing for your course or revisiting skills afterward, our portal ensures you have the tools and knowledge to excel.
Each course includes full access to our E-Learning portal. A valuable resource designed to support you before, during, and after your practical training. The portal provides:
Easy-to-follow workbooks and guides to support and reinforce your learning at your own pace.
Step-by-step video instructions covering key skills and techniques you’ll need on the job.
Access to curated links, industry insights, and resources for continuous learning.
Revisit after you qualify to consolidate your new skills.
E-learning is included with every course above. Spread the cost with Klarna. See our payments page.
At Great Oaks Training, we deliver high-quality, hands-on chainsaw training, forestry courses, and NPTC qualifications from our centre in Preston, Lancashire. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your skills, our range of chainsaw courses and tree surgeon qualifications are designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to work safely and professionally in the arboriculture and forestry industries.
Our training meets the latest industry standards, with City & Guilds NPTC qualifications and courses covering everything from chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting to felling small trees, aerial rescue, and chainsaw use from a rope and harness.
Four of our six courses run with two candidates on them: felling and processing small trees, the combined ground based chainsaw operator course, tree climbing and aerial rescue, and chainsaw from a rope and harness. On those, only one person can be doing the job at any moment. One tree comes down at a time. One person is on the rope at a time. One saw is running with the instructor watching it.
That is the part of the day that gets shared out, and it is the part that makes you competent. Three days of it shared between two is a different course from three days shared between four. The woodchipper day and chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting run with four on them, and the number for every course is in the table above.
All our practical courses are delivered by experienced instructors who’ve worked at the highest levels of the industry – giving you real-world insights and skills that stick.
Get in touch today:
If you’re looking to gain your chainsaw licence, expand your qualifications, or transition into a career in forestry, our Preston-based training centre offers the perfect environment. With expert-led sessions and access to our exclusive online e-learning portal, you’ll receive the tools and support to succeed long after your course ends.
We also offer:
Whether you’re stepping into the arboriculture industry for the first time or looking to renew your certification, our chainsaw training courses are designed for people at all levels. We support:
Individuals working towards recognised tree surgeon qualifications
Forestry workers and estate managers seeking to update or add NPTC courses
Grounds maintenance teams needing certified chainsaw training
Utility arborists and contractors operating in high-risk environments
Local businesses in Preston, Lancashire, and the wider North West requiring bespoke group training
From beginners looking for their first ‘chainsaw licence’, to experienced climbers and aerial operators wanting to expand their qualifications, our courses are structured to meet real job demands and safety standards.
Our training centre in Preston gives learners across Lancashire a convenient and professional place to develop essential forestry and arboricultural skills. We combine expert tuition, access to high-quality equipment, and a safe training environment to help you succeed.
As a local training provider with real-world experience, we understand the needs of employers, contractors, and individuals working in tree surgery, land management, and forestry. That’s why we offer nationally recognised City & Guilds NPTC chainsaw courses, and tailor our approach to help you achieve your chainsaw licence efficiently and with confidence.
If you’re based in or around Preston and want to gain hands-on experience with genuine job-ready skills, we’re here to help you build your future in the arboriculture industry.
Chainsaw Course Enquiries
01772 369694 training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
Yes. While the term “chainsaw licence” isn’t a formal legal document, most employers and insurance providers require you to hold an NPTC certificate of competence before using a chainsaw professionally. Our courses in Preston offer the recognised qualifications you need.
NPTC is part of City & Guilds, and is the awarding body for most practical arboriculture and forestry training in the UK. Each of our courses leads to a Level 2 NPTC qualification that proves your competence to work safely and legally.
It depends on your goals. Many learners begin with a chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting course, followed by felling small trees, and then progress to aerial qualifications. Some complete these in just a few weeks; others build their tree surgeon qualifications over several months.
Absolutely. Several of our courses have no formal entry requirements, and we work with complete beginners regularly. All we ask is that you have a good level of fitness and provide your own PPE. Our e-learning portal also helps you prepare before you arrive.
All practical training takes place at our dedicated site in Preston, Lancashire, with felling sites within a short drive. We welcome learners from across Lancashire, the North West, and beyond.
Yes. We run courses for teams working in estate management, arboriculture and local government. It is the same course at the same numbers, run back to back until your crew is through, on dates that suit you. We do not put more people on a course to fit a team in. Contact us directly and we will work out the dates.
Take the first step towards your career in tree surgery or forestry. From ground-based chainsaw qualifications to aerial rescue training, we’ll support you with expert instruction, pre-course learning resources, and post-training advice.
View our available courses or contact our team in Preston to find the right option for you.
If you’re unsure where to begin, we’re here to help. Whether you’re completely new to arboriculture or looking to update your existing ‘chainsaw licence’, our team can recommend the best route based on your current experience and career goals.
All our chainsaw training and forestry courses take place in Preston, ideally located for learners across Lancashire and the North West. With small group sizes, expert trainers, and free access to our exclusive e-learning portal, we make sure every course delivers practical, job-ready skills.
Chainsaw Course Enquiries
01772 369694 ✉️ training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
You can message us on WhatsApp on 07404 165751, or call the training centre on 01772 369694
Speak to the Instructor
Training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
Flexible start dates, expert support, and real results.
Our chainsaw courses run from the Preston training centre, within easy reach of Manchester, Liverpool and the wider North West. See all chainsaw course locations, or read about the Manchester training centre.
Careers
Climbing, grounds maintenance and utility work.Climbing, grounds and utility work.
Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor.
Last minuteAvailability
Starts Monday 19 October 2026
3 days plus 1 for assessment
£9671 place
Entry requirements: Ground Based Chainsaw Operator and Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
Book this date, Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and HarnessOr call the training office on 01772 369694
