FIELD NOTES
LOCATION: Kennall Vale, Ponsanooth, Cornwall
SEASON: Late spring
OBSERVATIONS: Uneven, rich, earthy, raw, textured
SOUNDSCAPE ONE
~ Stream
A small stream is flowing gently beside the path. Subtle bird sounds accompany the water’s constant fluctuations and as I walk, the demanding and mellow sounds of the wood busy the part of my mind where intrusive thoughts hatch and I feel calmer.
SOUNDSCAPE TWO
~ Woodland
In the wood the fresh green leaves of the native trees – beech, oak, hornbeam and hazel – spread in overlapping layers, altering the quality of light and sound. In the distance, there is the whisper of a river. Through an opening in the canopy, sunlight illuminates a patch of the path ahead and, as if nature has turned up the volume, the birds take centre stage.
SOUNDSCAPE THREE
~ Quarry
All is peaceful down by the Quarry. The gentle drip of droplets on the flowing waters form ripples on the surface which spread and fade. Birds call to each other across the millpond.
SOUNDSCAPE FOUR
~ River
The river flows faster and faster, tumbling on its hasty journey to the sea. The sound of falling water is a constant which helps to mute intrusive thoughts and concentrate the mind. Listen closely to hear the subtle sounds of splashes over stones, birds calling out to each other. Smaller sounds which are ripples over the roar.
