Part of a 12-month rural research residency on a regenerative farm in Central West New South Wales,
Australia, ‘Willydah Summer’ is one of several seasonal soundscapes created from repeat visits to one
part of the farm. The soundscape weaves together sub-surface and atmospheric sounds of the paddock
(field) called the ‘Shrub Block’, where the scorch of summer is yet to be felt on the winds gusting
through the saltbush, acacias and Kurrajongs, rattling their roots. Woodland birds restlessly call as
they fly in swooping arcs, sweeping above the trees or branch-hopping across the paddock. Small
grasshoppers flick through the grasses, and ants scurry along ant-made paths. Somewhere distant is the
drone of a neighbouring farmer ploughing a paddock to rid it of anything living in preparation for the
next crop.
Listen/watch at https://eco-pulse.art/soil-samples/