Hi, my name is William Gough, and I’m a PhD student at the University of East Anglia. My research is focused on understanding the fascinating world of natural soundscapes, the rich symphony of sounds that define different environments. I also lead the University of East Anglia / British Trust for Ornithology Soundscape Monitoring Project, which is dedicated to uncovering the drivers behind spatial and temporal variations in soundscape characteristics.
The world around us is alive with sound, from the rhythmic rustling of leaves to the melodies of birds and the distant hum of human activity. Together, these elements create a “soundscape,” an acoustic fingerprint that defines a particular place. Among the many contributors to these soundscapes, bird vocalizations play a central role in shaping the acoustic properties of natural environments.
Avian soundscapes, in particular, vary across spatial and temporal scales. By analysing their acoustic properties, we can detect the presence of individual species and monitor biodiversity health. For example, healthy environments tend to exhibit a broad spectrum of sounds, while degraded habitats produce a limited acoustic range.
Soundscapes aren’t just valuable for research; they also serve as a bridge between humans and nature. Listening to bird songs, often the backdrop of outdoor adventures, can improve physical, mental, and social well-being. However, this natural symphony is under threat.
Land-use changes, agricultural intensification, and urbanization are altering bird populations and threatening the diversity and richness of soundscapes. While the importance of conserving these natural soundscapes is increasingly recognized, the main drivers of their variation remain poorly understood. This knowledge gap limits the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
To address this challenge, our Soundscape Monitoring Project was launched with the goal of identifying the unknown factors influencing soundscape characteristics. Since March 2023, we’ve deployed acoustic monitoring devices across 55 Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) squares in England, Scotland, and Wales. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteer network, we have accumulated over 7,500 hours of audio recordings, offering valuable insights into the UK’s dynamic soundscapes, see the study sites on Figure 1.
The audio recordings are analysed using acoustic indices that describe soundscape characteristics. For instance, the Bioacoustic Index measures the volume and frequency range of bird songs and calls. Higher values indicate greater bird abundance and activity, while lower values suggest reduced vocalization. Figure 2 illustrates annual (left) and daily (right) variations in the Bioacoustic Index, highlighting seasonal and daily rhythms in bird activity.
The annual variation in the Bioacoustic Index changes monthly from April 2023 to October 2024. During the breeding season (April to July), the index peaks, reflecting heightened bird vocal activity. As the year transitions to the non-breeding months (August to February), the soundscape becomes quieter. Interestingly, 2023 exhibited slightly higher acoustic activity than 2024, possibly reflecting changes in bird populations or environmental conditions.
The graph on the right highlights the daily patterns of the Bioacoustic Index, capturing the magic of the dawn chorus. At around 4:00 AM, bird vocalizations surge, creating a rich symphony that tapers off as the day progresses. By evening, the index drops significantly, mirroring the quieter nighttime soundscape. These daily patterns vary depending on factors such as season and location.
The dynamic nature of soundscapes shaped by both seasonal cycles and daily rhythms offers a window into the health of the natural world. Understanding these variations not only aids biodiversity monitoring but also helps us reconnect with nature in a meaningful way.
Through the Soundscape Monitoring Project, we hope to illuminate the hidden drivers of soundscape variations and contribute to the preservation of these invaluable natural resources. Perhaps in 2025, once I have more than two years' worth of data, I will provide an update here on the SciEnvy blog to share further progress and research outputs.
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