These recordings were made using a pair of hydrophones suspended from fishing rods, in an attempt to document the internal soundworld of chalk rivers. Very little is known about the sounds made by the cryptic organisms that live in this environment, so it was surprising to discover how rich this soundscape can be. Sound fishing 2 and 5 are dominated by the sound of caddis fly larvae, whereas many of the other recordings feature the chirrups and clicks made by freshwater beetles. The dramatic sounds on Sound fishing 8 are made by aquatic plants as they photosynthesize. There are some other ambient sounds on these recordings, such as wind noise on Sound fishing 8 (it was a breezy day!), and occasionally other terrestrial sounds such as those made by children playing nearby (Sound fishing track 4), which were transmitted through the water. But the source of many of the other sounds is completely enigmatic.

Geolocated soundwalk along the River Stour.
Download the echoes app and experience the sounds of the river in-situ.
explore.echoes.xyz/collections/CJYQWPc0qMnxJ3O9

released October 26, 2020

© Adrian Newton – nemeton.org.uk
tracks mastered by Adrian Newton
photography by Adrian Newton
production and artwork by David Rogers for electricbackroom STUDIO – Dorset.

World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways. It highlights the many values of our rivers, strives to increase public awareness, and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world. Rivers in virtually every country face an array of threats, and only through our active involvement can we ensure their health in the years ahead https://worldriversday.com/about/.
27 september [link to download]

compiled and published a BandCamp audio download and .pdf booklet of participants audio, images and text responses to this years WLD theme THE COLLECTIVE FIELD [link to download].