Listening Earth - Free nature soundscape player

"In my field work, I attempt to capture the sounds of nature as you would hear if you were there. I use a pair of highly sensitive microphones, which in some aspects are more acute than our ears. These are mounted binaurally (ie; similar to our head and ears), so as to capture a rich stereo field and present a lifelike sense of distance and space.

"My aim is to place the microphones in the landscape where the dynamics and balance of sound is aesthetically interesting. I prefer not to record creatures too close, but allow them to be heard in the context of the landscape. I also aim for movement, for instance placing microphones where birds may fly past creating left-right stereo movement. Then there is space and the reverberence of the habitat itself; the contrast between foreground and the softening of far off sounds.

"Anticipating where sound may come from can be quite challenging. In some habitats, such as wetlands or waterways, the sources of sound are localised, and it is easy to position the microphones for a rich sound stage. In woodlands however, it may be less predictable, and the optimal spot more difficult to locate.

"All this requires reading the habitat, anticipating where birds and animals will interact. Once the microphones are placed and the recorder switched on, I walk away, removing my presence from influencing creatures, leaving my equipment running for many hours at a time.

"Sometimes I get it right, and wonderful recordings result. But whatever choices I make, I know that the secret to an exceptional recording is always persistence and luck - waiting for nature to do something serendipitous.

"Over the years I have come to appreciate the silences of natural habitats as much as their activity. So I prefer to let you hear unedited recordings, where events occur at a natural pace, as this is true to nature and relaxes the mind. And of course, headphone listening is recommended."

"Listening Earth began as a commercial recording label, and continues to be. However by making these recordings freely available to a wider audience, we hope to promote appreciation of the natural world, and care for its conservation. We remain dependant on the support of our listeners to continue. Purchasing an album or two is a great way to assist our work, and we appreciate it."