WWF define wetlands as places: “in which the land is covered by water—salt, fresh, or somewhere in between—either seasonally or permanently. It functions as its own distinct ecosystem.”
Wetlands are usually remote place, away from sources of human noise. There’s always good sound. Wonderful birds like skylarks, lapwings or curlew help to illustrate the size and geography of the place if you are listening to it.
If you are close to a wetland or fancy a special day trip, go in person. At all times of the year the sound will be interesting. The views and the sense of space will fill you.
In the meantime, close your eyes, pick a place and let its beauty and space take you away.
Dengie, Essex
The train journey to get to Althorne or Burnham crosses the salt marshes. At low or high tide, the view is always dramatic. Then a walk from the station takes you to the estuary landscape.
- Episode 96 – A blustery day begins on inland tidal water (43 minutes)
- Episode 116 – Sissing plantations in open country (25 minutes)
- Find more episodes from the Dengie Peninsula.
Landermere Creek, Essex
After a 3-mile walk from Thorpe-le-Soken station, we reached, under threatening clouds, Landermere Creek. The water was almost silvery against the sky. We recorded with no one around, just the curlews for company. Our flask of tea warmed us up although it was August, before the heavy rain chased us away.
Episode 79 – Essence of estuary at Landermere Creek (32 minutes)
Canvey Island, Essex
On a day with no wind, the wide empty landscape of Canvey Island was quiet and still. Sound from the London Gateway Port and a boring machine from the landfill site travelled across the fields. So quiet that the sound of fluttering wings could also be heard.
Tilbury, Essex
A long walk from Tilbury East gets you to the Coal House Fort, now a relic of its glory days watching for danger coming along the Thames. Follow the path heading west along the river. A radar tower on a shingle beach, full of treasure. Onwards, emptier. Brambles full of berries to distract.
- Episode 158 – That edgeland feel along the Thames near Tilbury Docks (28 minutes)
- More episodes from the Thames Estuary.
North Kent marshes
Get off the train at Higham, then head for the marshes. Listen for lapwings, marsh frogs, skylarks and sheep in the distance.
Rye Harbour, East Sussex
On a bright windy April day, we walked from Winchelsea station. We eventually reached the shingle of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve where next to a pond, we heard skylarks.
- Episode 64 – Waiting for skylarks at the Rye Harbour nature reserve (23 minutes)
- Episode 76 – Last fields before the sea (35 minutes)
About Radio Lento
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