Top 10 Sounds of the Great British Outdoors
Rain on canvas, waves crashing the rustling of the wind through pine trees, crunching leaves…there’s no doubt that part of the joy of being in the Great British outdoors is the sounds that come with it. When we spend time outdoors, the soothing sounds of nature help many of us to de-stress and be more mindful.
We’ve teamed up with award-winning wildlife field recordist and sound designer Pete Smith and Helen Glover MBE, a double Olympic Gold medallist and self-confessed outdoor enthusiast, to bring you the Top 10 Sounds of the Great British Outdoors. Together, we’ve identified the sounds that instantly make your mind stop racing, that make you slowly exhale and immerse you in the outdoors – reminding you of everything that is great about being out there.
We want you to feel inspired to get outside and enjoy these sounds, along with many others, with some tips from our experts on where to go and what kit you will need. The days may be getting shorter and the weather colder and wetter, but the outdoors is right where you left it and ready to be enjoyed this winter.
Of course, we want you enjoy to the outdoors safely and responsibly so please make sure you follow the latest government advice and rules wherever you are.
1. Leaves crunching underfoot in the Chilterns
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2. Waterfall in South Dartmoor
3. The rustling of the wind through pine trees
*https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/statistics/forestry-statistics/
4. Rain falling on a tent
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5. Red kites calling
* https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/red-kite/#:~:text=Central%20Wales%2C%20central%20England%20%2D%20especially,red%20kites%20all%20year%20round.
6. Waves crashing on a beach
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7. The display calls of the curlew
8. Wind blowing through the grass on sand dunes
Waves aren’t the only therapeutic sound you’ll find at the beach. The sound of wind blowing through the grass on the on sand dunes near Edinburgh at Tyninghame Beach, overlooking Bass Rock, was nominated by Pete.
9. The cuckoo calling
Another iconic bird sound that made the Top 10, the cuckoo is instantly recognisable by its “cuck-oo” call. Another species that is in decline, they can be found throughout the UK during summer having marked the arrival of spring with their call.
10. Skylark song
The final sound that made it onto the Top 10 is the song of the skylark. Skylarks are found everywhere in the UK and especially like open countryside. You’re most likely to spot them when they’re in their distinctive display flight, which includes their beautiful song.
We’d love to know your favourite sound of the outdoors. Tag us on social media and use the hashtag #SoundOn
Helen Glover MBE
Helen Glover MBE, a double Olympic Gold medallist, is a self-confessed outdoor enthusiast. Helen’s favourite three sounds of the outdoors are waves crashing, red kites calling and leaves crunching underfoot.
“It was a pleasure to contribute to the Top 10 Sounds of the Great British Outdoors, although difficult to conjure up a shortlist of favourites. At the moment, autumnal walks around the Chilterns with my boys are fun, with the noise of fallen leaves crunching underfoot. I grew up in Cornwall and will always enjoy coastal walks accompanied by the ebb and flow of the tide, particularly on a stormy day when the waves are roaring and crashing.
“As well as grounding me in the moment, I find sounds can be so evocative too. When I think back to past adventures, it’s the crackle of the campfire, the lapping of kayak paddles on a lake and the mew-like call of red kites in the trees that bring back such warm memories and make me yearn to get outdoors.”
Pete Smith, Sound Recordist
Pete Smith is a field recordist and sound designer with a background in electroacoustic composition. His experience is primarily in documentary, but he also has a variety of drama and corporate credits.
Projects he has worked on range from award-winning feature length documentaries to animations and radio shows. Clients he has worked for include NHK Japan, Channel 4, BBC 1, BBC 3, BBC Alba, STV, STV Creative, RBS, First Direct, Apple, Visit Scotland, Wild Media Foundation and Hopscotch Films.
“To me, sound is everything, so it has been interesting how people have tuned into the sounds of their surroundings more than ever throughout 2020. It was the year that everything stopped and, as the traffic noise quietened during lockdown and our streets fell silent, the sounds of the outdoors became acutely more noticeable.
“I’ve always been more relaxed and mindful when surrounded by the calming sounds of nature. Whether I’m camping out overnight during fishing trips to the Isle of Eigg and listening to the rain pelting the tent or walking along the sand dunes and hearing the wind whistling through the grass, sound is such an important and immersive part of spending time outdoors.
“However, for me, the very best sounds of the outdoors are the display calls of the curlew in spring. I grew up in a small village in South West Scotland surrounded by farmland, and curlews used to nest all around my house. Often, on moonlit nights, they would fly and sing all through the night. Whenever I hear them now, I am instantly eight years old again out in the field in front of my house. Sadly, curlews are now declining in numbers so it’s important to get out and enjoy these wonderful sounds while we can.”
Sound On Kit List
We’re here to help you find the right kit for your adventures. Take a look at some of our recommendations below for getting out into nature this winter and immersing yourself in the sounds of the outdoors.
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