Have you ever heard the sound of a limpet grazing?
Shetland is famous for offering fabulous opportunities for wildlife photographers but few have entered into the world of wildlife sound recording. In May, there will be a unique opportunity for people who are interested in sound recording to enhance their knowledge as renowned musician and wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson will be leading a course in the islands.
The Shetland Nature Festival partnership is hosting the Shetland's Natural Sounds course, with thanks to funding from Scottish Natural Heritage and Awards for All Scotland. Participants will learn about the theory and practices of wildlife sound recording, from indoor and outdoor sessions.
BAFTA Award winning Chris Watson has worked on a variety of TV series, including the BBC's Springwatch and David Attenborough's Life of Birds series.
He was also a founding member of Sheffield based experimental music group Cabaret Voltaire.
Gwilym Gibbons from Shetland Arts Development Agency said: “We are proud to have joined the Shetland Nature Festival Partnership to offer a course with one of the world's best sound recordists. With Chris's expertise and the facilities at Mareel we can offer people a world class experience, which we hope will inspire further activities during the Shetland Nature Festival (29th June – 7th July 2013).
Helen Moncrieff, RSPB Scotland warden, said: “Shetland's wild soundscape is amazing. We all know the sound of raucous seabird colonies like Sumburgh Head and Noss nature reserves but only with a hydrophone can the sound of the underwater world of our rockpools be revealed.”
People will need to book their places quickly as Chris's courses are popular with people around the world, with his Iceland course selling out before any Icelanders managed to book on to it!
Geopark Shetland's Robina Barton added: “We've planned the course so people can get a taste of a range of natural phenomena, from thunderous seas to a breeze through Kergord trees, as well as more obvious wild sounds such as birds, seals, birds and bees. The course will culminate in a public performance at Mareel that will be effectively be a sound map of Shetland. It's going to be a great way to celebrate the Year of Natural Scotland.”
Places are available via Shetland Box Office from Monday 29th April.