Urban Forest Ecology: Nature-Based Pathways for Greener and Resilient Cities

Report written by Avantika Adhruj (Events Officer, Forest Ecology Special Interest Group)

The webinar “Urban Forest Ecology: Nature-Based Pathways for Greener and Resilient Cities” provided a global platform to explore how urban forests and tree-based systems contribute to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable urban development. Organised by the British Ecological Society (BES) Forest Ecology Special Interest Group (SIG) on 26 June 2026, the event brought together researchers, practitioners, arborists, landscape professionals, and early-career scientists to discuss the ecological and practical dimensions of urban forestry.

The session examined how urban forests are evolving from conventional tree management approaches into integrated nature-based solutions that combine ecological science, landscape planning, community engagement, and long-term urban sustainability. Through perspectives from both academic and professional practice, the webinar highlighted the importance of designing and managing urban green infrastructure as functional ecological systems capable of delivering ecosystem services, supporting biodiversity, and improving urban resilience.

By connecting forest ecology with arboriculture, landscape design, and urban planning, the webinar demonstrated the growing role of trees and green spaces in shaping healthier, more inclusive, and climate-resilient cities.

Thematic Areas and Talks

The webinar was structured around two key thematic areas, highlighting both the conceptual foundations and practical implementation of urban forestry.

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1. Urban Forestry: Trees and Urban Greening

   
   

Speaker: Mark Johnston (Independent Researcher : Arboriculture, Landscape and Urban Forestry, UK)

Urban tree-lined street in Germany (© Julia Taubitz via Unsplash)

This session explored the evolution of urban forestry as an interdisciplinary field that integrates ecological principles with urban planning and community needs. The speaker highlighted how urban forestry has developed beyond traditional tree planting and maintenance approaches into a broader framework focused on ecosystem services, landscape connectivity, social benefits, and equitable access to urban green infrastructure. Drawing upon more than five decades of professional experience, Johnston discussed the fundamental principles of urban forestry, including the role of urban trees in regulating climate, improving environmental quality, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing human well-being. The session emphasized the importance of strategic landscape planning, community participation, and tree equity in ensuring that the benefits of urban forests are accessible across diverse communities. The presentation also highlighted that urban trees should be viewed as essential ecological assets rather than isolated landscape elements. Their successful integration requires long-term planning, informed species selection, and management strategies that consider both ecological functions and social values.

A key insight was that sustainable urban forests require collaboration between ecologists, arborists, planners, policymakers, and communities to ensure that trees remain functional components of future cities.

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2. Urban Forestry and Sustainability in Modern Cities

   
   

Speaker: Island Lescure (Managing Director and Consulting Arborist at Treescapes – Urban Tree Consultants, India)

Aerial view of Gardens of Bay, Singapore (© Kirill Petropavlov via Unsplash)

Building upon the ecological foundations of urban forestry, this session provided practical insights into urban tree management and sustainability challenges across different geographical contexts, including India, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The speaker discussed the role of urban trees in providing ecosystem services and highlighted approaches for assessing and valuing these benefits. Key themes included urban tree management practices, ecosystem service quantification, green infrastructure planning, governance challenges, and strategies for integrating trees into rapidly changing urban landscapes. The presentation emphasized the need to bridge ecological knowledge with practical arboricultural approaches. While urban trees provide significant environmental benefits, their success depends on appropriate planning, species selection, maintenance strategies, institutional support, and long-term management frameworks. The session also highlighted the challenges faced by modern cities, including limited space, increasing infrastructure pressure, and the need to balance development demands with ecological sustainability.

A key insight was that sustainable urban forests require collaboration between ecologists, arborists, planners, policymakers, and communities to ensure that trees remain functional components of future cities.

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Key Learnings and Messages

Global Knowledge Exchange

• Strengthened international exchange on urban forest ecology by connecting researchers, practitioners, and professionals across disciplines.

  
  

Urban Forests as Nature-Based Solutions

• Highlighted the role of urban forests as ecological infrastructure supporting climate resilience, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being.

  
  

Ecology-Informed Urban Planning

• Emphasised the integration of forest ecology, landscape planning, arboriculture, and community participation for sustainable urban forests.

  
  

Science and Practice Connections

• Encouraged dialogue between researchers and practitioners to translate ecological knowledge into effective urban tree management.

  
  

Future Collaboration through BES SIG

• Increased awareness of urban tree management and ecosystem services while fostering opportunities for future collaborations through the Forest Ecology SIG network.

Participation and Engagement

The webinar attracted an international audience comprising researchers, university faculty, students, early-career researchers, environmental practitioners, arborists, and professionals working across urban ecology, forestry, landscape planning, and environmental management.

A total participation of 65+ participants was recorded, reflecting the growing global interest in urban forest ecology and nature-based solutions for sustainable cities. The active engagement and diverse perspectives shared during the session demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary platforms that connect scientific research with practical implementation.

Conclusion

The webinar successfully highlighted urban forest ecology as an essential interdisciplinary field connecting ecological research, arboriculture, landscape planning, and urban sustainability. By bringing together international expertise from both research and practice, the event demonstrated how theoretical understanding and practical experience can work together to develop effective nature-based solutions for building greener, healthier, and more resilient cities. The Forest Ecology SIG looks forward to continuing this dialogue through future webinars and collaborative activities that promote scientific exchange and practical solutions for forest and urban ecosystems worldwide.

Watch the full webinar recording here: