Banburyshire Rambles Photo-Journal

Paul Mobbs’ photographic record of his walks around ‘Banburyshire’ and ‘The Irondowns’, and occasionally, as part of his work around Britain, the areas beyond.


‘Last Chance (HS)To See’ – Soundscape 2:

‘Birdsong in the woods on Frith Hill’

Birdsong and the buzzing of insects on the edge of the Chiltern Tunnel portal on Frith Hill

18th May 2018


Standing on the edge of the woodland, near to what will be a large cutting at the portal of the Chilterns Tunnel, I've a recording problem; the profusion of insects means they keep flying into/bouncing off the microphone. In the end I walk around a little, trying to avoid them, capturing the sounds around the margin between the woodland and the field.

Given its proximity to Great Missenden, and the London Road, it's quite a tranquil location here. Lifted high out of the Misbourne valley, this spot has relatively little of the noise found just a few hundred metres down the slope – though it is perceptible as a quiet, background murmur.

It's the low hum of the insects which is most exceptional here – and which presumably is what attracts the birds to this patch of woodland.

You can find more images of this location in the Last Chance (HS)To See blog.