Vale of Clara Soundwalk: Unveiling the Soundscape

The Vale of Clara is a sessile oak woodland and national nature reserve in County Wicklow.

Over the past 18 months composer and sound artist Robert Coleman has been learning about the biodiversity there by listening to its soundscape. This soundwalk explores this act of listening and how it can be a method for learning about this local biodiversity and developing deeper connections to our environment. In turn this exploration highlights the interconnectedness of the biodiversity across Ireland and the challenges it currently faces.

Much of Robert’s field-recordings and research has revolved around the bird species of the area and this soundwalk will also include an introduction to bird language and how it can aid our understanding of our environment. A recent success story here lies in the resurgence of the Great Spotted Woodpecker which has returned and increased dramatically in numbers in Wicklow over the past 20 years. As well as learning about the sounds of this notable species and others, the walk will feature creative sound works engaging the listeners in the experience of the animals found on site and their relationship with mankind.

By actively listening we can begin a proper dialogue with these non-human voices and allow them to become active forces in their own environment.