Spring Soundscapes at Fingle
At 5 a.m. on a cool, fresh May morning the wonderful Fingle wildlife can bring all your senses into sharp focus. Before the sun reaches the muted colours of the landscape around Ross Meadow at the furthest end of Cod Wood, the sounds and smells of a spring morning are more defined than any other time of day.Standing in the gateway, the soft flow of the River Teign and the pungent power of wild garlic captured the moment. Within minutes, the early chords of the dawn chorus were enhanced with layers of eager chatter from the woodland birds all around; singing like their lives depend on it and, in a way, they do. Without this magnificent daily ritual, each of the songbirds wouldn’t establish a territory, wouldn’t find a mate and wouldn’t … well … just wouldn’t. This early morning experience is easily one of the most exhilarating ways to be standing still; you actually begin to feel a part of the wild woods.As the last few bats snatched an airbourne snack before finding their roost, each bird played its part in the accompanying arboreal orchestra. The chiffchaff kept time for the blackbird and blackcap to overlay their melodies. A song thrush chimed in while the soprano shrill of the wren filled the air. Joining the throng, the blue tit and goldcrest, with many other feathered friends, completed the elaborate soundscape.Listen to the Ross Meadow soundscape at dawn [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://finglewoods.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Ross-Meadow.mp4"][/video]The night time grey slowly lifted and the lighter sky pushed between the oaks along the ridge across the valley, revealing the colours of the meadow. Wild flowers were enhanced in the increasing light. The pale primrose and stitchwort emerged from the gloom, followed by the red campion, violets and the hues of bluebells. Looking up, the opening buds on bronzed domes of oak trees contrasted with the shadowy green of ivy clad stems. The depth and intensity of the morning was with us now.
by Matt ParkinsSound recordings and videos – Tom Williams
