Secondary Research

‘ Recording is not just a way to capture the sounds of the wild; it’s a way to listen deeply, to observe with our ears, and to engage with the rhythms and cycles of the natural world. Every sound captured is a moment of connection that deepens our understanding of life around us. ‘

Recording Natural History Sounds, Richard Margoschis, 1977

‘ To truly understand nature, we must listen to it. Every sound captured tells a story of survival, adaptation, and interconnectedness. These recordings are not only archives of sound—they are calls to action, urging us to protect the very habitats from which these sounds arise. ‘

Recording Natural History Sounds, Richard Margoschis, 1977

• Sound as a Bridge to Nature?

One of the most direct and unmediated ways to encounter nature, according to Margoschis, is through sound. A powerful sense of presence can be evoked when you tune into the noises of a particular ecosystem, such as the rustle of leaves, the sound of a running river, or the voices of birds (for example).

‘ Through sound, we bridge the gap between ourselves and the wild. It’s as if nature speaks to us directly, not through words, but through the timeless language of sound. ‘

Recording Natural History Sounds, Richard Margoschis, 1977

Unlike visual observations, which can be fleeting or incomplete, sound offers a continuous, evolving record of the life happening in an environment. A field recording can transport listeners to a moment in time and space, providing a fuller, more layered sense of what it means to be in that natural setting.

Through sound, we are invited to listen more attentively and become more aware of the complex, often hidden, aspects of nature. As the artist Margoschis states, the sound recording not just as a technical or artistic activity but as an immersive experience — one that invites us to step into the natural world and experience it more fully.

In this way, sound acts as both a tool and a medium, enabling us to connect with the environment in a deeper, more meaningful way. It allows us to perceive the world in its full sonic richness, fostering an empathy and awareness that can be transformative, both personally and ecologically.