The natural world is a noisy place, so what can the sounds produced in nature tell us about the plants and animals who call it home?

In this podcast we’ll learn how scientists are using sound to monitor the state of nature, and will hear some of the weird and wonderful sounds that are produced in unexpected places.

Xeno-canto, the sounds archive discussed: https://xeno-canto.org/

The final field recording heard is dominated by the photosynthesis of freshwater plants. This process is described by Jack Greenhalgh at 8min 10s.

This podcast was produced by Katie Salter (University of Salford), with sound by James Hipperson (University of Salford), interviews by Deokki Min (University of Southampton) and Katie Salter, and support from Shahmir Panjwani (University of Bristol).

Thanks to our guests Jack Greenhalgh (McGill University) and Becky Heath (Imperial College London), who also provided the field recordings heard in this podcast.

The podcast was funded through Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Centre for Doctoral Training on Sustainable Sound Futures, and supporting industry partners.

Trevor Cox, Professor of Acoustic Engineering at the University of Salford and Director of the EPSRC Sustainable Sound Futures Centre for Doctoral Training, welcomes you to this podcast, created by PhD students exploring how sound influences people, places, and the planet. Through expert insights, compelling stories, and immersive listening experiences, discover what a more sustainable sound future might sound like.