Episode 36: Cities are Living Ecosystems with Tom Butterworth, Fellow, Director and Nature Lead at Arup

On this episode Jonathan has a conversation with Tom Butterworth, Fellow Director and Nature Lead at Arup, at Arup’s Goodge Street office. Tom shares his career path from studying ecology and volunteering at the Natural History Museum to working on nature reserves, conservation coordination, Natural England, and consultancy, including biodiversity net gain and natural capital. The conversation focuses on cities as living ecosystems and why urban design must account for water, species movement, air and climate, highlighting urban heat island impacts, flooding risks, and the multiple benefits of green infrastructure and sustainable urban drainage. They discuss equity of access to green space, growing demand for ecology roles, the need for diversity of views, and examples of nature engagement, ending with Tom’s first, best, and worst experiences in nature.00:00 Welcome Back and Road Trip01:30 Meet Tom at Arup03:43 Tom’s Career Journey05:44 Nature Careers Then and Now10:18 Cities as Ecosystems15:25 Heat Islands and Cooling16:49 Spongy Cities and Flooding24:17 Funding and Stakeholder Buy In31:34 First Best Worst in Nature35:22 Awe Forests and Living Cities39:07 Wrap Up Key TakeawaysSend us Fan Mail