2:30pm Soundwalk
 
This soundwalk in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens explores the human relationship to wildlife through sound and performance.
 
The Botanic Gardens is a carefully tended busy green space near the centre of Belfast where people meet their friends, eat their lunch or walk the dog. It is also home to a variety of wildlife most notably birds. Throughout his PhD research Robert has been recording and studying the soundscape, particularly the birds and their behaviour here as well as several related sites around Ireland. Combining contemporary ecoacoustic methods with traditional knowledge on biodiversity we explore the act of listening and how it can facilitate a deeper understanding of these nonhuman lives around us and crucially how our actions affect them today.
 
Booking is essential for all participants. As places are limited, please only reserve a ticket if you will be present for the event. www.eventbrite.ie/e/a-little-bird-told-me-a-soundwalk-at-the-botanic-gardens-belfast-tickets
 
Please bring headphones and a smartphone. Parts of this walk will feature audio hosted on the Echoes app which you will need to download. Full information and links will be sent to you in advance of the event. Technical assistance will be available on-site before the beginning of the walk.

7pm - 7:45pm Concert – Sonic Lab 
The evening will explore the relationship of mankind and nature, featuring a performance by Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble and a listening session with field recordings from various sites around Ireland.
These hills used to be forests performed by Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble is inspired by and features soundscape recordings of the Glas-na-Bradan Wood in the Belfast Hills. In the winter of 2021/22 tree planting began at the area with the hope for it to develop into a native forest over the coming decades.

Since then Robert has been recording the biodiversity there, particularly the birdlife. This work for the concert stage cultivates active listening for both the performers and the audience and through this listening we reflect on our relationship with place and the natural world.

The listening session will also include field recordings recorded at the Barnaslingan Woods in the Dublin Mountains and the Vale of Clara Nature Reserve in County Wicklow.