Tree-climbing enthusiasts came from as far as Australia to compete in the UK and Ireland finals of the International Tree-Climbing Championships taking place this weekend in Ireland for the first time.
Forty competitors, the majority of whom are professional tree surgeons, took part in the opening trial at Kilruddery House gardens in Bray. Although a relaxed atmosphere prevailed as competition got under way, there is a serious side to the sport.
Organised by the International Society of Arboriculture, the competition aims to promote safe working practices in the arboriculture industry.
It began in 1976 when Californian arborist Dick Alvarez, who owned his own company Arbor Tree Surgery, established the event. His aim was to preserve the skills that prepare a climber equipped with nothing more than a rope to save a life in an aerial rescue.
Today over 1,000 contestants participate in over 50 local events worldwide.
They didn't just come to Bray from the UK and Ireland, however. As an open competition there were also contestants from Germany, the Czech Republic, Romania and Sweden.
It's not just about how fast someone can climb to the top branches, a number of skills which tree surgeons use in their work are assessed.
These skills were tested yesterday in events such as the "throw-line" challenge. This tests competitors on how well they can throw a thin, strong string weighted with a shot bag into a tree. If it catches in a secure place at the top, this technique is much safer than using a ladder.
Organiser Alexander Laver from Norfolk said of the competition: "It is a breeding ground for innovation. Techniques tree arborists take for granted now were born out of championships three or four years ago."
Philippa Allen, who is originally from Buckinghamshire and now lives in Sheffield, is one of only two female contestants.
"This is quite a serious competition; there's a lot riding on it.
"I didn't do brilliantly well in the speed events, which are normally my best. I have to do well in the work climb now."
