Hidden urban nature calls for a different approach to green space management |
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Research shows that invisible soil life forms the foundation of urban biodiversity
Municipalities working to improve biodiversity and create climate-resilient cities should not only focus on trees, plants and parks. It is the life that is barely visible - from fungi and bacteria to mosses, lichens and soil organisms - that determines how healthy urban green spaces develop. This is one of the conclusions of the Hidden Biodiversity (Hidden Urban Nature) research project, in which Naturalis Biodiversity Center is one of the participating organisations.
| Lichens on a wall in the city of Nijmegen, NWST image for illustration |
'If you want to promote larger nature, you need the smaller nature,' says senior researcher Michael Stech. According to him, biodiversity in urban soils remains largely unknown. Yet these organisms break down organic matter, release nutrients and support the growth of trees and plants.
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If you want to promote larger nature, you need the smaller nature
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More than removing paving
According to Stech, this adds a new dimension to the discussion about reducing paved surfaces. Less paving not only helps reduce heat stress and flooding, but also creates habitats for organisms that keep soils healthy. 'You need to create more open soil and plant trees; then many other important organisms will also establish themselves.'
The researchers also argue that trees deserve a different approach. 'A tree is also a habitat for many different organisms.' Which mosses, lichens and microorganisms become established depends on the tree species. In the future, this knowledge could be incorporated into tree selection and management plans.
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A tree is also a habitat for many different organisms
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Mosses measure heat stress
The research also explores practical applications. Mosses and lichens respond strongly to changes in temperature and air quality, making them suitable indicators of urban heat stress. According to Stech, a practical method for this has now been developed.
The researchers hope this will encourage municipalities to take a broader view of biodiversity. Ecological quality depends not only on the amount of green space, but also on the invisible life living beneath and upon it.
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It is not only the amount of green that matters, but also the life beneath it
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Participating organisations
The project is being carried out by a consortium of educational institutions, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, the Bryological and Lichenological Society, Bureau Stadsnatuur Rotterdam and the Netherlands Entomological Society.
The consortium also includes Municipality of Amsterdam, Municipality of Leiden, Province of North Holland, Cobra Groeninzicht, Greenwavesystems, Heijmans, Respyre, Waarneming.nl and EnerSearch Solar.
Other partners include Stichting Steenbreek, Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum Foundation, the Friends of the Leiden Hortus Foundation, the Amsterdam Public Library, the Dutch Natural History Collections Foundation and Reichwein Post Production.
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This article was previously published on 1 July 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.
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