Banburyshire Rambles Photo-Journal

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.