Forest Listening

This blog is dedicated to the sounds of forests and woodlands in the UK, and the visual artwork generated from this listening and field recording practice. I am using listening as a method for re-connection with the woodland environment, and field recording to gather an audio archive of vibrations and resonances from within forest processes such as transpiration, decomposition and water saturation. 

Through sound visualisation I explore and analyse the sound recordings in order to discover and reveal the hidden and unnoticed sonic depths of the sylvan forest. The resulting multi-sensory audio-visual artworks are used to direct attention and provide audiences with alternative avenues of engagement with, and perspective of trees, providing a catalyst for further dialogue regarding the importance of forests in the time of climate and ecological breakdown.

Study sites within UK forests have included: The Cairngorms National Park (Scotland), the Lake District (Cumbria), the Lizard Peninsula (Cornwall), Glen Affric (Scotland) with conservation group Trees for Life, and Blackheath Forest (Surrey) in partnership with Surrey Hills Arts. 

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Although the project began in 2018, from June 2019 to summer 2020, it has been made possible with the support of Techne, Surrey Hills Arts, Watt's Gallery. and the National Trust.

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Instagram: @forest_listening