A collection of wildlife sounds thanks to Stoke Newington-based recordist Richard Beard. Hear birdsong and the calls of other animals from parks, streets and gardens in and around the borough of Hackney.
MY LOCAL AREA is an interesting mix of urban and rural environments – from the wetlands of the River Lea and its marshes to the mixed woodland of Abney Park cemetery, via the bustling streets of Hackney.
Having recorded here for many years I am always amazed, and often surprised, by the diversity of wildlife. My first recordings were probably of the ubiquitous Wren, a little bird with a loud, thrilling song. The most recent have been the Ring-necked Parakeets that have taken up residence in Springfield Park.
London is a noisy city and it is not always possible to achieve clear recordings of wildlife. This does not really worry me – wildlife co-exists so the noise is part of their lives too. But the challenge is to favour the species over London noise, a challenge I relish.
Richard Beard, 2012