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Nature Sounds Featuring Mike Challis

Dr. Mike Challis teams up with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust to create comprehensive sound recordings of nature reserves and untouched wilderness, occasionally accompanied by video documentation.

Experiencetranquility in the company of Mike Challis as he immerses you in the soothing symphony of...
Experiencetranquility in the company of Mike Challis as he immerses you in the soothing symphony of nature's sounds.

Nature Sounds Featuring Mike Challis

In the heart of Suffolk, a sound artist named Mike Challis has been making waves in the world of wildlife conservation. His work, a blend of art and science, has been captivating audiences at various nature reserves and events.

Mike Challis, a Sound Artist, Maker, and Educator, began his collaboration with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust in 2017 at Carlton Marshes. Since then, he has been diligently recording the sounds of the marsh's inhabitants, from the elusive bitterns to the melodious cuckoos.

At Carlton Marshes, Mike recorded a rare and exciting experience - the sound of rutting Chinese water deer. This unique recording is now part of a quad sound player built by Mike for the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, taking the sounds of the marshes out to the public.

Mike's work can currently be heard at the Raveningham Sculpture Trail until 7th September 2025. He also leads workshops, sharing his expertise in professional recording equipment and Potabolic recordings, as he did at Carlton Marshes. Keep an eye on the events page for upcoming workshops led by Mike.

Worlingham Marshes, the latest area Mike has started documenting, is managed for grazing and wild fowling but under Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the management is becoming more wildlife-friendly. Here, Mike has been able to hear the female cuckoo during his visits, adding another layer of avian melodies to his recordings.

In 2017, Robyn Tasker started recording the sounds of wildlife at various nature reserves for the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, paving the way for Mike's work. Mike's dedication to his craft is evident in his meticulous attempts to match each 'boom' call from bitterns to an individual using sonograms.

Mike's passion for his work extends beyond recordings. He has also created a short video documenting changes in Petos, part of Carlton Marshes nature reserve, which is played on a 4-minute loop in the visitor center. Furthermore, his sunrise video featuring the Lightening Trees at Carlton Marshes gained significant views on social media and his Vimeo channel.

During the lockdown year, Mike's sunrise video was featured on the Firstlight Festival website, offering a moment of tranquility and beauty to many. Suffolk Wildlife Trust has great plans for Worlingham Marshes management, as mentioned by Lewis Yates in a video, and Mike's work will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in documenting and sharing the marsh's evolving soundscapes.

While an opportunity for volunteering with Suffolk Wildlife Trust is not explicitly mentioned, it could be inferred from the context that Mike's workshops and collaboration with the trust offer a chance for individuals to immerse themselves in the world of wildlife sound recording.

In conclusion, Mike Challis's work as a sound artist and educator is a testament to the power of art in conservation. His recordings not only provide valuable data on species present and soundscapes at different times of year but also offer a unique and immersive experience for the public.

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