When catastrophic wildfire burns Mount Vesuvio, consuming 2,000 hectares in 2017, what survives beneath the ash? Soil ecologist Speranza Panico expected desolation. Instead, she discovered billions of microorganisms actively at work - breaking down charred material, releasing nutrients, rebuilding soil functionality.
This episode descends into the soil to reveal the true architects of rewilding. Sara Cazzaniga from ETH Zurich explains how bacteria and fungi form the hidden foundation of forest recovery. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria pull nutrients from the air. Mycorrhizal fungi extend tree roots far underground. Decomposers transform dead matter into living soil.
These billions of organisms work invisible to the human eye, yet they determine whether ecosystems recover or remain broken after disaster. Whether following catastrophic fire or agricultural abandonment, the same microscopic processesare rebuilding Europe's ecosystems from below.
Welcome to WILDCARD: The Forest Game, the scientific podcast that explores Europe's rewilding revolution through real ecological detective stories, uncovering how nature recovers when humans step back and observe.
CREDITS
«WILDCARD. The Forest Game» is a podcast production written by Silvia Giralucci for the WILDCARD projectand Starter.
Featuring: Speranza Panico, University of Udine and SaraCazzaniga ETH Zürich
Scientific Supervisor: Giorgio Alberti, University of Udine
Editorial Supervisor: Gesche Schifferdecker, European ForestInstitute
Voice-over: Rahel Könen, European Forest Institute
Post-production: Sara Uzquiano, European Forest Institute
Graphic design and visuals: Gabriela Rueda, European Forest Institute
⬇️Audio transcription available HERE
Learn more about the WILDCARD project: www.wildcard-project.eu
European Forest Institute: www.efi.int
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