Women’s ArbCamp 2026, Tree Climbing Event in the UK
📅 July 17–19, 2026.
📍 Merrist Wood College, Guildford, United Kingdom
Women’s ArbCamp (WAC) is a community-led tree climbing event created to include women, trans and non-binary people in arboriculture — not to exclude anyone, but to create space for connection, learning and growth.
WAC 2026 marks our 10th anniversary, and we’re excited to bring the event back to the UK, hosted at Merrist Wood College.
Whether you’re brand new to climbing or have years of experience, WAC is about sharing skills, building confidence, and creating community.
Registration is now open. Spaces are limited, so if you’d like to join us, sign up using the link below.
More logistical information at the bottom of the page!
Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for updates, photos, and a look behind the scenes as WAC 2026 comes together.
Empowering Climbers of Every Experience
Whether it’s your first time tying in, or you’ve spent years moving through the canopy, WAC is a space to learn, share, and grow — together.
Women’s ArbCamp was created to build connection, confidence, and community in arboriculture. It centres women, trans, and non-binary climbers, while welcoming everyone who supports inclusive, respectful learning spaces.
There’s no pressure to perform here.
– Come with questions.
– Come with experience.
– Come to try, teach, listen, climb, or simply be part of it.
WAC is about supporting each other, sharing knowledge openly, and making space for more people in the trees.
A Glimps of WAC
One of her first times in a tree — WAC 2017
Skill Building Workshops
A weekend of climbing, learning, laughter, and connection.
WAC is built around sharing skills and experiences in a relaxed, supportive environment. There’s no fixed classroom and no pressure to “keep up” — just practical workshops, open conversations, and time in the trees.
Some sessions are planned, some happen organically, and everyone is encouraged to contribute what they know.
Come ready to climb, ask questions, try new things, and connect with others who share your love of trees.
Fredrika Lundberg sharing knowledge on ergonomics at WAC 2023, Belgium
Workshops on Tree Care & Climber Health
Tree work is about more than climbing.
WAC also creates space for conversations around arboriculture, body care, and long-term sustainability in the industry.
Topics may include tree biology, veteran tree management, ergonomics, wildlife considerations, equipment, gear choices, and climber wellbeing.
Hands-on, practical, and shaped by the people attending.
Shared spaces, shared stories, shared learning
Chill Campsite Vibes
WAC doesn’t stop when the climbing ends.
Camping on site means the weekend keeps going — shared meals, fireside conversations, gear chats, laughter, and the kind of connection that happens when everyone slows down at the end of the day.
Some of the best learning happens around the campfire.
Stay on site, settle in, and be part of the full experience.
Buffet-style food provided Friday lunch through Sunday lunch — with options for all diets
Delicious, Inclusive Meals
Good food brings people together.
Throughout the weekend, we share simple, hearty meals together — from Friday lunch through to Sunday lunch. It’s a chance to pause, refuel, and connect between workshops, climbs, and campfire conversations.
We do our best to cater for dietary requirements, so everyone can feel welcome at the table.
At WAC, sharing food is part of building community.
Moments between climbs matter too — connect around the ropes or the coffee pot
Space to connect, reflect, and grow — at your own pace
Some of the most important moments at WAC happen between the climbs.
Over coffee, around the campfire, or sitting in the grass after a long day in the trees — there’s space to talk, ask questions, share experiences, and build lasting connections.
WAC is about more than climbing. It’s about finding your place in arboriculture growing in confidence, and being surrounded by people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
Take what you need from the weekend — challenge, knowledge, friendship, inspiration, or simply time in the trees.
Build confidence in the tree — practise movement, rescue, and climbing systems with support at every step
Aerial Movement & Rescue Practice
Get hands-on with climbing systems, movement techniques, and aerial rescue in a supportive environment.
Whether you’re building confidence in the basics or developing more advanced skills, WAC offers space to practise, ask questions, and learn through doing.
Try new systems, explore different approaches, and support each other along the way — because learning is better when shared.
Logistics
What to bring
Packing for WAC is simple — here are some essentials help you get the most out of your weekend and to make your weekend safe, comfortable and fun:
✅ Climbing & personal gear:
Harness, lanyard, climbing system
Ropes (if you have your own and space to bring it)
PPE, Helmet, safety glasses/ eye protection
Climbing shoes or boots
Gloves (optional, depending on your climbing style)
✅ Camping & comfort:
Tent and sleeping setup
Limited space for hammocks
Sleeping bag + mat
Headlamp or flashlight
Warm clothes for evening
Water bottle + mug
✅ Optional extras:
Extra snacks or favourite camp treat (meals are provided!)
Notebook + pen
Rain gear (just in case!)
And most importantly — A good attitude and curiosity 🌿
How to get to site
📍 Merrist Wood College, Guildford, United Kingdom
GU3 3PB
🚗 By car:
Parking is available on site.
Use Google Maps or your GPS and search for Merrist Wood College, Guildford.
Directions from the collage: “Please don’t put our postcode into SatNav as it may lead you to a dead-end road! Instead, please use GU3 3PB which is for Rokers, who are opposite our main entrance on Holly Lane. Once you get to the top of our long driveway, turn right at the T-junction then turn left into the car park and make your way to the Harris Centre (signposted).”
✈️ By plane:
The closest major airports are:
London Heathrow (LHR)
Approx. 45–60 minutes by car
London Gatwick (LGW)
Approx. 40–60 minutes by car
Both airports have good train connections to Guildford.
🚆 By train / bus:
Closest major station: Guildford
From Guildford:
Bus 20 towards Fairlands
Taxi / Uber (approx. 10–15 minutes)
🚕 Need help getting to site?
Reach out in the WAC WhatsApp group to coordinate travel, lifts, or share plans with others.
If you’re not in the group yet, you’ll be added after registration.
✉️ Need help planning your trip? Just reach out!
FAQ / Site Info
“Do I have to be a professional?”
Nope! WAC is open to all experience levels.
“Can I come if I don’t have all the gear?”
Yes — just let us know in advance and we’ll help.
“Are meals vegetarian / vegan / meat?”
Yes — and we accommodate other dietary needs too.
💡 There’s drinking water on-site
🪑 Some seating available — bring your own chair for extra comfort
🚽 Portable toilets and simple washing facilities
🔥 Evening fires (if weather allows!)