The first of two recordings that contrast the soundscape of the River Wye above and below the water line. Recorded on a glorious day in early June, where the Wye river runs past the small village of Fownhope, just south of Hereford, UK.

The banks of the river are steep at this point, and the water surface considerably lower, however I managed to descend to a small stretch where a conveniently placed log allowed me just enough access to submerge the microphones. This hydrophone recording demonstrates the richness of the soundscape underneath the water.

I’m frequently surprised by the density of sounds created by aquatic life, this particular example reminds me of the rhythmic songs of cicadas.