Thriving Cities: Urban forest soil biodiversity and restoration
- Lian Soh
- 6 days ago
- 1 min read
Urban forest soil biodiversity and restoration
Presenters: Dr Andrew Barnes (University of Waikato) and Dr Kiri Joy Wallace (University of Waikato, Eco-index)
Date: 25 November 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Cities tend to focus on what grows above the ground, yet the real action happens beneath our feet. In this quick-fire lunchtime session, Dr Andrew Barnes and Dr Kiri Joy Wallace will open a window into the hidden world of soil biodiversity and what it means for restoring urban forests that can survive and thrive.
Andrew Barnes investigates how degradation and restoration shape soil food webs, showing that soil biodiversity is not a “nice to have” but a foundation for resilient ecosystems and human wellbeing. Kiri Wallace works where science meets business and government, helping organisations invest in biodiversity outcomes that are meaningful and measurable. Together, they bring a clear message: if we want flourishing forests in our cities, we need to start with the soil.
Perfect for kaiako, council staff, community restoration groups and anyone curious about how we can regenerate ecosystems in the places we live, learn and work.
Ngā mihi nui ki te Thriving Cities team who have helped organise this opportunity. We hope our kaiako readers find something useful here to take back to their students.
