Denise Ford

Christchurch

I have had a long interest in urban ecology having been involved in the restoration of Travis Wetland, a freshwater wetland in the city of Christchurch, for approximately 15 years. In 2012 I finished a Bachelor of Science at Lincoln University majoring in Conservation and Ecology. I have come late to tertiary study being a ’mature student’ but found the experience opened up an interest in entomology. This has lead to a Masters where I looked at insects in restoration sites in and around Christchurch city. I wished to determine if planting native vegetation was indeed increasing the biodiversity of the city and restoring fully functioning ecosystems.