Who is behind Tree Life?

Keely Dowson - Business Director

BA (Hons), ICSA GRAD

Keely is the Business Director and the primary point of contact. She is always available to assist and can be reached directly. As the daughter of Tree Life’s Founder Dave, Keely now holds the reigns for Tree Life, which is a family-run business, Our work culture is built on strong family values and a collaborative environment.

Antony Price - Course Director

Dip Arb L4 & L6 (ABC), ND Hort/Arb, MArborA

Tony joined Tree Life as a partner & co-director in 2018 bringing over 20 years’ experience in Arboriculture contract management, consultancy, and training from an introductory level. Tony is a registered instructor and assessor for the awarding bodies: City & Guilds NPTC and Lantra Awards providing a wide range of vocational qualifications. He now teaches our level 2, 4 & ATP Certificate and Diploma in Arboriculture and when not marking work between classes provides a consultancy service for the company.

Lottie Price - Course Tutor and Assessor

HND (Garden and Landscape Design, Sci.), Tech Cert (Arbor.A), TechAborA, DipAdEd, DipMycol

Lottie combines in-depth expertise in plant science with a focus on dendrology, mycology, and soil science. As a tutor and Assessor she brings a wealth of knowledge and industry-recognized qualifications to her teaching and mentorship roles. Lottie continues to work actively as an arborist and consultant, leveraging her extensive field experience to provide expert advice and tailored solutions. Her ongoing involvement ensures she stays up-to-date with the latest industry practices.

Dan Kitching - Course Tutor and Assessor

Dip Arb L4 (ABC), TechAborA

Dan has dedicated over a decade to the arboriculture industry, with a primary focus on hands-on arborist work. Recognized for his practical expertise, he is a technician-grade member of the Arboricultural Association, a designation that underscores his commitment to industry standards. In addition to his extensive field experience, Dan has completed advanced training, including the Accredited Training Programme (ATP) in Urban Tree Management, equipping him with a well-rounded perspective on both operational and strategic aspects of tree care.

Ben Lewis - Course Tutor and Assessor

Dip Arb L4 (ABC), TechAborA

Ben has nearly 15 years of arboriculture experience, starting as a ground person, then working as a climber and subcontractor, and eventually co-owning an arboricultural company handling domestic and commercial projects. Over time, I gained qualifications in Professional Tree Inspection and utility surveying. Later, as an Arboricultural Officer for a local authority, managing council-owned trees, leading surveys, and coordinating planting schemes.

 David Dowson

MAEA BA (Hons) FIC For. F.ARBOR.A Dip ARB (RFS) Tech Cert (ARBOR A) CEnv CUEW Cert Ed. FCIEA

Dave is a senior AA Registered Consultant and the man who started Tree Life in 1997, all told he has been in the arboricultural industry at all levels for over 35 years. Dave has now handed the reigns over to Keely Dowson but does still pop up on some of the short courses programs, The ATP qualification and he is still carrying out Consultancy for the company. He is also the author of the LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection 3 Day Course.

Andrew Summerley

BSc (Hons), Dip Arb (RFS), Tech Cert (ARBOR.A), DMS, Cert FE, F.Arbor.A.CEnv

Andy joined Tree Life as a partner & director in 2004 from Moulton college and has been a great addition to our company ever since. You will see Andy pop up on some of our short courses, The ATP training and the Professional Tree Inspection course. Andy still continues to do consultancy work.