Tree work07884 274693Training01772 369694
At Great Oaks Tree Services & Training Academy, located in Kirkham near Preston, we offer a range of NPTC chainsaw courses tailored to various skill levels and professional needs. Our experienced instructors, Jason and Tom, bring decades of industry and teaching experience to ensure you receive top-quality training.
The NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence is the UK’s gold standard for chainsaw training. Whether you’re felling trees, cross-cutting timber, or climbing for aerial work, an NPTC certification ensures you’re trained, assessed, and safe to operate under the Health & Safety Executive’s guidelines.
At Great Oaks Tree Services & Training Academy, we offer every NPTC chainsaw course needed to get qualified – from first-time maintenance to advanced rope and harness work.
Here’s a simple table to help you match your experience with the right chainsaw course:
| Your Goal | Recommended NPTC Course | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time operator | Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting | 2 + 1 days | £672 inc. VAT |
| Felling trees up to 380mm | Felling and Processing of Small Trees | 3 + 1 days | £967 inc. VAT |
| Combined fast-track training | Ground-Based Chainsaw Operator | 5 + 1 days | £1,351 inc. VAT |
| Climbing & rescue | Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue | 5 + 1 days | £1,273 inc. VAT |
| Advanced canopy chainsaw use | Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness | 3 + 1 days | £967 inc. VAT |
Never used a saw professionally? Start with Chainsaw Maintenance & Cross Cutting (£672 inc VAT). If you already know you will need to fell as well, the Ground Based Chainsaw Operator week (£1,351 inc VAT) covers both units in one block, with two certificates at the end.
Already hold the maintenance and cross cutting unit? Book Felling & Processing of Small Trees (£967 inc VAT).
Want to work in the canopy? Tree Climbing & Aerial Rescue comes first (£1,273 inc VAT). Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness (£967 inc VAT) is not a first course: you need the ground-saw units and the climbing unit before you take a saw off the ground.
Only need the chipper? The Woodchipper course is one day, £300 inc VAT, assessment included.
Not sure? Tell us what your employer or insurer has asked for and we will name the right unit: call 01772 369694 or email training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk.
Each NPTC chainsaw course includes practical assessment and theory covering:
Equipment safety and daily maintenance
Cutting techniques and chain tensioning
Manual handling and lifting techniques
Tree felling, snedding, and hung-up tree management
Climbing system use, spike work, and aerial rescue procedures
Plus, you’ll get access to our exclusive E-Learning Portal, featuring:
Printable workbooks
Step-by-step video guides
Post-course resources for ongoing support
Most NPTC chainsaw courses are open to complete beginners, except:
CS38 Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue requires fitness and PPE
CS39 Use of Chainsaw from Rope and Harness requires you to complete CS30, CS31, and CS38 first
If you’re unsure which course you need, get in touch with our training team for friendly, expert advice.
👉 Contact the Training Centre
📞 01772 369694
✉️ training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
To work in trees rather than around them, you’ll need climbing certifications:
Both are taught by NPTC qualified trainers with extensive field and teaching experience – including work on national infrastructure projects.
Our courses are delivered in and around Preston, with expert instruction and real woodland environments. You’ll also receive access to our online training portal, featuring:
Video guides
Printable workbooks
Post-course access for refreshers
Not sure which course is right for you? Whether you’re new to the industry or building on years of outdoor work, we’ve got a course to match your career path:
| Role | Recommended Training Path |
|---|---|
| New to arboriculture | Start strong with our Combined Ground-Based Chainsaw Operator course – it covers both essential qualifications in one week. |
| Groundskeeper or landscaper | Gain safe saw-handling skills with Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting – ideal if you’re adding tree work to your service list. |
| Employers or teams | Ask about bespoke group packages, tailored around your work schedules and PPE needs. We support utility contractors, colleges, and estate teams across the North West. |
| Future climbing arborists | You’ll need both CS38 and CS39 to get certified for safe aerial chainsaw use. We offer both as stand-alone or back-to-back bookings. |
Give us a ring or email and we’ll walk you through your options.
We offer flexible dates, group bookings, and expert support before and after training. Want to discuss your goals or book directly?
👉 Contact the Training Centre
📞 01772 369694
✉️ training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
Our Training Centre in Preston is ideally placed for learners across Lancashire and the North West.
We regularly train candidates from:
Preston
Blackpool
Chorley
Lancaster
Blackburn
Southport
Courses take place in real woodland environments and are led by instructors with years of field and teaching experience.
Great Oaks Tree Services & Training Academy is based in Kirkham, near Preston, and delivers NPTC chainsaw courses to learners across the North West. Whether you’re searching for chainsaw training in Lancashire or need certification near Preston, we’re your trusted training provider.
Chainsaw Course Enquiries
01772 369694 ✉️ training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
01772 369694 ✉️ training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
When you book an NPTC chainsaw course at Great Oaks, you’re not just gaining a qualification – you’re learning from two of the North West’s most respected arboriculture professionals.
Jason founded Great Oaks Tree Services after a career spent shaping green spaces and shaping people. With a National Diploma in Arboriculture (2006) and Qualified Teacher Status (2015), Jason combines excellent industry knowledge with a talent for education. Before launching the company in 2018, he led an apprenticeship programme, mentoring the next generation of arborists. Now, he oversees both our commercial and training arms, ensuring every chainsaw training course meets the high standards we’re known for across Lancashire and beyond.
Tom brings 17 years of forestry and arboriculture experience – from climbing in New Zealand to working as a senior arborist for Forestry England at Westonbirt Arboretum. As a qualified NPTC assessor and practical lecturer with a Certificate in Education, Tom delivers our chainsaw qualifications and specialist arboriculture training with a personal, no-nonsense approach. Whether you’re learning basic maintenance or advanced aerial techniques, Tom’s attention to safety and real-world application ensures you leave ready for site work.
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
