Our Team
TreeStation employs around 25 people across arboriculture, woodland management, consultancy, wood processing, and business operations. Our team includes qualified arborists, ecologists, consultants, and experienced tree work crew — backed by proper training, professional accreditation, and a genuine commitment to doing the job right.
Leadership
Phil Benn — Managing Director and Founder
Phil founded Ecos in 2003 and built it into what TreeStation is today. He holds a BA (Hons) in Environmental Issues, a Foundation Degree in Arboriculture, the Royal Forestry Society Certificate in Arboriculture, and a Certificate of Professional Competence in road haulage. He brings over 15 years of tree work experience and more than a decade in the wood fuel sector.
Phil also serves as a director of Equinox Housing Co-operative and Bumblebee Woodland Trust, reflecting his broader commitment to co-operative enterprise and woodland conservation.
Lee Faragher — Arboricultural Manager
Lee joined TreeStation in 2017, bringing over 20 years of experience in arboriculture, including more than 12 years working in Local Authority tree management. He studied at Reaseheath College and Myerscough College, two of the leading centres for arboricultural education in the country. Lee manages our tree work operations across Greater Manchester.
Nick Torr — Principal Arboricultural Consultant
Nick heads up our consultancy arm, Ecos Consulting. He holds a first-class BSc in Arboriculture and was awarded the Institute of Chartered Foresters Best Student Award. With over 15 years of experience — including five years working in Austria — Nick brings a depth of technical knowledge to our survey, planning, and advisory work.
Key Staff
Hannah Birch — Office Coordinator
Hannah is a qualified ecologist with a degree in Conservation. She has been with TreeStation since 2014 and keeps the operational side of the business running smoothly. Hannah has also studied for a CIPD Level 3 qualification in human resources.
Patrick Morello — Financial Director
Patrick is a Chartered Accountant and Tax Adviser with 25 years of experience, including nine years working with social enterprises and charities. He manages TreeStation's finances and ensures we meet the governance standards our members expect from a community-owned enterprise.
Patricia Spray — Community Engagement Officer
Patricia leads our community engagement work, building relationships with local organisations, volunteers, and partners across Greater Manchester.
Tree Work Team Leaders
Bill and Killian lead our tree work crews. Both hold aerial rescue and chainsaw qualifications, and they supervise the day-to-day arboricultural operations that keep Greater Manchester's trees healthy and safe.
Governance
As a Society for the Benefit of the Community (BenCom), TreeStation is governed by a Board of Directors elected by our members at the Annual General Meeting. Every member gets one vote. The Board oversees strategy, finances, and compliance, ensuring the business stays true to its social purpose.
Board of Directors
- Phil Benn
- Patrick Morello
- John Dennis
- Philip Gwynne
- Jack Stewart
- Mike Calvert
- Patricia Spray
- Peter Shilton-Godwin
- Sue Whittle
Between them, the Board brings skills in fundraising, forestry, engineering, accountancy, arboriculture, community engagement, and HR. This breadth of experience helps ensure that TreeStation is well managed and responsive to both member and community needs.
Accreditations and Insurance
- ARB Approved Contractor (since 2012)
- £5 million public liability insurance
- Quality Management System (since 2013)
- FSA Reg No. 31552R
- VAT Reg No. 974 6895 47
Work With Us
We are always interested in hearing from qualified arborists, ecologists, and experienced tree workers who share our values. If you are looking for fair employment with a community-owned enterprise in Greater Manchester, get in touch.
- Phone: 0161 231 3333
- Email: info@treestation.co.uk
- Visit us: Vaughan St, West Gorton, Manchester M12 5FQ (for satnav use M12 5BT)