Meet Our New Senior Arboriculture Consultant at James Blake Associates
We are pleased to introduce Ian Clarke whose expertise and passion for trees will further strengthen our arb offering as part of our multi-disciplinary approach to support our valued clients. Here’s a closer look at his journey, achievements, and aspirations.
A Career Rooted in Arboriculture
“I was drawn to arboriculture because I loved the mix of art and science, the balance of practical and theoretical work—and with a plethora of fascinating features and overall benefits, being surrounded by trees is pretty cool!” said Ian Clarke.
With experience spanning hands-on tree work, consultancy and brings a holistic perspective to our services. He’s worked with tree officers, planning officers, and clients to solve complex challenges, thriving in the diversity and problem-solving nature of the role.
Some Proud Career Moments
Infrastructure project in Cambridge: As Arboricultural Clerk of Works, Ian delivered on this 14-month project allowing him to protect trees while supporting urban development.
Large-scale tree survey: Successfully delivered a survey of 3,400 trees across 390 sites in just two months, meeting tight deadlines and exceeding client expectations
Innovative Problem-Solving and Sustainability
A commitment to sustainability and innovation drives his work. Whether it’s integrating new technologies, recommending recyclable products, or suggesting tree species that maximise biodiversity, he believes every choice has an impact.
“I am looking forward to working closely with the team and seeing projects through to fruition from start to the finish – from achieving planning to seeing the developments come to life. JBA has a fantastic portfolio of clients many of whom have been with the firm for years. I envision building on this reputation, further expanding our arb services and the team and bringing my experience to support the company’s mission and projects across the UK.”
Beyond Work
Outside the office, our consultant enjoys nature, volunteering as an event first aider with St. John Ambulance, and exploring the UK’s beautiful landscapes—especially the Lake District and, hopefully, Orkney and Shetland someday.
Looking Ahead
Over the next year, Ian’s goals include strengthening the arboricultural offering within the solid multi-disciplinary offering. This enables clients to benefit from a well-rounded perspective with a cohesive approach to landscape design, arboriculture, ecology and biodiversity net gain. Helping combat biodiversity loss by providing thoughtful, impactful recommendations to clients forms a vital role within our work.
We’re excited to see the expertise and passion he brings to the team, helping us deliver outstanding results for our clients while championing sustainable practices.
Want to know more about our arboriculture services? Contact us today
