Collision & Conflict

A sci-fi inspired dream dance walk for RSPB Geltsdale. Glisk is Cumbrian for shimmer or shine. Imagine if the shimmers in nature were portals to other dimensions. Go on a trip with the voice of the Lady of the Lake taking you through an eerie otherwordly meditation image stream to dance with nature. Listen to find out more.

A short trail around Bremenium Roman Fort, one of the northernmost forts in the Roman Empire and one of the best preserved sites in Northumberland National Park.

The Felled Areas Have Been Replanted: A History of Chopwell Wood Chopwell Wood is a fascinating 900-acre forest that represents thousands of years of human industrial, cultural, and ecological use. For centuries trees were harvested for ships, churches, and tanning hides. Coal was mined from the early thirteenth century until 1966. Recreation is now the main industry in the wood. Except in a few small locations, only the footprint and geological features of the ancient forest remain. Chopwell Wood is a human built landscape--one that has been cut down and replanted multiple times. In 1951 the Forestry Commission wrote an exquisite "History of Chopwell Forest". Throughout the report the author discusses the use of the woods, why certain tree species were planted, and the many missteps previous generations made in managing the forest. The report captures the genesis of Chopwell Wood as we know it now. We invite you to wander through the woods--what traces of this history can you see or experience around you today? [Read by Gemma Paintin]

Investigating'Here'

MOTIVATIONAL WALK ON NORTHUMBERLANDIA LANDFORM.

This curated audio collection explores the stories, memories and reactions that local residents and users of Bensham, Gateshead, associate with local places past, present and future. Excerpts are taken from the participatory research project, Bensham Memories, which sought to understand Bensham through drawing 'maps' and undertaking geo-located walks in the local area. The collection is highly subjective and representative of those who participated. The data may not be historically correct due to the influence of memory and nostalgia, but allows users to weave narratives of local identity from current perceptions and understandings.

Explore the sand dunes and beach on our guided audio walk. This sound walk aims to highlight the unique wildlife on Mawbray dunes, the conservation efforts to protect this rare habitat, and the history and experiences of local communities! The full walk is circular, approximately 2.3km long, and should take around an hour to an hour and a half to complete. It includes uneven ground and unfortunately is largely inaccessible for wheelchair users. We have cattle, and ground nesting birds on site, so please keep your dogs under close control. Please download the walk to your phone before you come to the starting point, which is the Mawbray Banks car park, and make sure you allow Echoes to use your location to trigger the sounds as you walk along. It is designed to be experienced through headphones, so make sure you bring yours with you. The walk begins at Mawbray banks car park, Mawbray. From the car park head north out of the gate and take the track left in the direction of the beach; the trail will guide you as you progress along the route. All instructions and guidance will be offered within the audio, following trails through the dunes and above the high tide mark on the beach away from the waters edge. However, if you are planning to walk further onto the beach always check the tide times before your visit. This walk is part of the Dynamic Dunescapes project, partnered with Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Solway Coast AONB. It has been created by Holly Stainton*, X and .... alongside members of the community (x,x,x). Any feedback you have would be greatly appreciated; please get in touch at mail@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk.

A collection of immersive tales created by young writers from the Creative Toolbox programme, in collaboration with Sonic Labs. Creative Toolbox is a vibrant creative wellbeing initiative for young people aged 11–18 in Dumfries & Galloway, designed to build confidence, nurture social connections, spark creativity, and support mental wellbeing. These stories were developed as part of Creative Caerlaverock—an arts and community project that invited creative responses and public engagement inspired by the rich heritage and imagined futures of Caerlaverock Castle. Delivered by The Stove Network in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland.

Finished in 1778, Prebends Bridge was an intentional project in constructing a thoroughly Romantic, idealised image of medieval Durham. Famously depicted in J. M. W. Turner’s Durham, picturesque views of the cathedral, castle and woodland have made the bridge a popular tourist attraction. Now a busy thoroughfare within the increasingly metropolitan city, the once idyllic enclave has slowly become a site of aesthetic tension between history, idealism, and modernity. Prebends is a soundwalk across Prebends Bridge, using geolocated sound as an overlay to connect and contrast the myriad (conflicting) ideals and histories attached to the bridge with the experience of the present.