Listening to Trees
PRESS RELEASE  Tune into the sound of trees at Westonbirt
If you’ve ever wondered what trees sound like then artist Alex Metcalf’s sound installation at Westonbirt Arboretum (November 9th-11th) will have you all ears. ‘Tree Listening’ is a device that picks up the sound of water being pulled up from the roots to the leaves. Amplified 300 times and played back in real time through headphones hanging from the tree, the water makes a popping sound as it is drawn up the xylem tubes behind the bark and in the background the vibration from the wind emanates a deep base sound. Used as a scientific tool, tree listening can provide vital signs that a tree is under stress. Nature-loving artist Alex has also recorded the oak tree at different time of the day so that people can compare the different amounts of water that is moving up as the sun gets stronger and pulls up more water. “The aim of the installation is to allow people to appreciate what happens inside a tree and to change their perception of a tree being a static architectural object to a living entity that is constantly active and changing,” said Alex. Visitors can experience Tree Listening at Westonbirt from November 9th-11th (from 10am-3pm) in an oak tree close to the Acer Glade in the Old Arboretum, where Alex will also be on hand to answer any questions. Tree Listening will also be featured on BBC’s Autumnwatch programme on November 8th (subject to changes in schedule).
Entry to the arboretum costs £7.50 adults, £2 children, concessions and group rates available. For more information contact 01666 880220 or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
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