This spring, documentary filmmaker Nina Constable is teaming up with naturalists Lucy Hodson and Ben Porter to bring people across the UK together in one of this seasons most amazing natural phenomenon’s, the dawn chorus.
Ben has designed a “Plant Parabolic”, a simple device that amplifies and records the sounds around you bringing you closer to nature than ever before. The device can be made from things you can find around the home and you can have fun with trying out different items to see what you find most effective. Swap out your plant pot for a mixing bowl, a dustbin lid or even an umbrella and see how loud you can go!
Follow the how-to instructions below (a downloadable instruction sheet, and a video on Nina Constable's YouTube channel, are also available), and get creative – make your own and head out May 2nd to record the Dawn Chorus on your doorstep. Send your creations and your recordings in to wildworld@ninaconstablemedia.co.uk, share on social media use the hashtag #PlantPotParabolic (you can also tag @benwildimages @Lucylapwing @ninaconstablemedia), and we’ll create a symphony from across the whole of the UK.
Top tips for using your plant pot parabolic:
- Try finding a bowl which isn’t too deep and has a shallow, sloping ‘parabolic’ shape to best amplify the sound.
- Download the ‘RØDE reporter’ app for IOS or ‘RecForge II’ app for android for greatest control of your sound recording.
- Plug in your headphones and use the ‘monitor’ setting in your microphone to reduce any wind noise.
- Head out in the early hours of the morning to be in with the best chance of catching the cacophony of dawn chorus
- Why not try using your parabolic to eavesdrop on the sounds of insects, reptiles, animals and anything else you can find!
Now try it out – head out on your doorstep and see what you can find!
