Amidst Nantyrhwch plantation
This stream-side ambiance was recorded on a warm summer afternoon in Nantyrhwch plantation in the Cambrian hills. After the last felling operation about 10 years ago, this small damp area near the confluence of 2 streams was replanted, not with spruce, but with a few native hardwoods: Birch, Alder, Goat Willow, & has since been allowed to regenerate naturally. Forest management policies have become more enlightened in recent years in an attempt to not only increase wildlife diversity, but to reduce acidification of water courses which has been one of the major environmental concerns with plantations such as this.
Besides the dominant trickle of the stream and the buzz of Bumble Bees, the downwards lilting song of Willow Warblers can be clearly heard. Also present, though somewhat buried in the mix, are Robin, Chaffinch, Blackcap, Tree Pipit, and a few other birds which I can't identify. About 4 minutes in, a Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus) fades in its high pitched buzzing. I'd actually come out today specifically in search of grasshoppers but had found very few until now.
Listening back & posting this in December is a welcome antidote to the cold grey winter days!
Recorded: 2019-07-04 @1600
Location: 52.1969,-3.7275
Download full length recording:
18min, 45MB, .ogg format
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