In this special episode of A Life in Sound from The Listening Planet, Martyn Stewart returns to England for a journey that is at once deeply personal, profoundly nostalgic, and unexpectedly historic. Fresh from receiving an OBE from King Charles at Windsor Castle for services to nature, Martyn joins Amanda for an intimate conversation about honour, homecoming, and the soundscapes that first taught him how to listen.

The episode begins with the extraordinary story of the award itself: the mysterious phone calls Martyn initially dismissed as a scam, the family intervention required to convince him the honour was real, and the surreal experience of arriving at Windsor Castle to discover that it would be the King himself conducting the investiture. For Martyn — a Birmingham-born son of the council estates who built a life documenting the disappearing voices of the natural world — the moment is almost impossible to comprehend. It is moving, funny and deeply human, revealing both his humility and his enduring disbelief at being recognised in this way.

But this episode is about much more than ceremony. It is also a return to origins. Together, Martyn and Amanda journey back through England’s landscapes and through Martyn’s own memories: to the dawn chorus of his childhood, the bluebell woods that offered refuge and solace, and the rivers, forests, marshes and moorlands that shaped his earliest recordings. With extraordinary vividness, Martyn evokes the robin before dawn, the wren, the blackbird, the song thrush, the curlew, the kingfisher and the bittern, revealing not just what these places sound like, but what they mean.

At the heart of the episode is Martyn’s idea of sound as a time machine. His vast archive allows him to travel back decades and hear the world as it once was — a world richer in birdsong, quieter in its human footprint, and more alive to the subtle textures of the natural world. When recordings from 50 years ago are set against contemporary returns to the same places, the contrast is both fascinating and devastating. The result is an episode that captures the beauty of England’s living soundscape while also confronting the losses brought by development, habitat change and modern noise.

Travelling from the bluebell woods of Birmingham to the Peak District, the Wye Valley, Thetford Forest and the Norfolk Broads, Martyn builds an auditory map of England through memory, wildlife and wonder. Along the way, he reflects on the craft of sound recording, the patience it demands, and the heightened awareness required to truly hear what nature is saying. This is not only a story of birds and places, but of perception itself — of learning to listen beyond the obvious, and of what becomes possible when we do.

Rich with humour, feeling and hard-won wisdom, this is an episode about belonging, recognition, loss and reverence. It is a portrait of England as heard through one of the world’s great wildlife sound recordists, and a reminder that the sounds of home can shape an entire life.

In this immersive journey through Scandinavia, legendary sound recordist Martyn Stewart and host Amanda Hill explore the raw, untamed beauty of the North. From the creaking glaciers of Norway to the geysers of Iceland and the thunderous storms of the Faroe Islands, Martyn shares stories from decades of fieldwork—mic’ing up waterfalls, surviving hurricane winds, and capturing the eerie, majestic songs of wolves, moose, and reindeer. They marvel at the choreography of humpback whale bubble-netting, laugh about microphone-laden decoy ducks, and close with the serene magic of the Norwegian dawn chorus. It's a cinematic, soulful celebration of nature's voice and our deep connection to it.

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Scotland: Where the Wind Remembers

📝 Episode Synopsis:

In this deeply personal episode, Martyn Stewart takes us on an evocative journey through the soundscapes of Scotland—a land he calls home in heart, soul, and spirit. From the soft rustle of winds in the Lowlands to the haunting cries of curlews above Culloden Moor, Martyn reflects on his decades of recording, walking, and falling in love with Scotland’s wild places.

We travel through the Borderlands, Highlands, and Islands, weaving through memories of football, first visits, and lifelong rituals—like kissing the welcome sign at Gretna Green. Martyn recounts tales of Rannoch Moor, Glen Tilt, and the Isle of Skye, and speaks about recording with honour and grief at Culloden, where the winds still whisper the stories of the fallen.

This episode is also a meditation on loss—of species, of silence, of time—and a call to love the world deeply enough to preserve it. Whether you’re a lifelong nature lover or a curious traveler, this sonic pilgrimage to Scotland is a love letter to wildness, history, and home.

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At 2 AM, Martyn Stewart knew exactly where he needed to be—on the beach, listening. The waves rolled in like an old song, wrapping around him in the way only nature can.

For Martyn, sound has always been more than just something to hear. It’s been an escape, a refuge, a way to make sense of the world. As a child, it was the call of the wild that helped him through a turbulent home. As an adult, it has been his constant companion—through illness, through change, through life itself.

In this sonic portrait, Martyn reflects on the deep connection between sound and memory, the power of listening, and why, if he could take just one recording to a desert island, it would be the chorus of a blackbird—the sound where it all began.

This is more than a story. It’s a life told through sound. 🎧🌿

This episode was produced and sound designed by Seb Masters.

#ALifeInSound #TheListeningPlanet #MartynStewart #SonicPortrait

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What if the natural world could compose a symphony? Join us as we explore this captivating question in our latest episode featuring Martyn Stewart and singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer ONR.

Born Robert Shields and hailing from from Dumfriesshire in South Scotland, ONR's distinctive compositions, vocals and exceptional musical capability have captured the imagination of some of the world’s biggest acts and most respected musicians; one of ONR’s breakout moments being his collaboration with legendary guitarist and producer Nile Rodgers, who became a huge fan and supporter after having happened to see ONR recording at Abbey Road Studios. Rodgers said of Shields in a recent Forbes interview, “he reminds me of working with Daft Punk. His sense of composition is just wonderfully chaotic."

Discover how an impromptu Zoom call ignited Martyn's passion for intertwining the audio of Scotland's breathtaking landscapes with music. The magic of Scotland's Western Isles, the Highlands, and the historically rich Culloden Moor and Glencoe are not just backdrops but essential players in this unique musical collaboration.

Listeners will be taken on an emotional journey, particularly through the track "You and I," inspired by the Solway Firth. This piece holds profound emotional significance for Robert, offering a deeply personal narrative woven into the melody. You'll hear about the challenges and rewards of composing music driven solely by the rhythms and sounds of nature, from the daunting cries of Peregrine Falcons in Dalbeattie to the serene ambiance of Scotland's untouched wilderness.

The episode culminates in a heartfelt reflection on the transformative power of this artistic endeavor. Martyn and Robert share their gratitude for the creative freedom and inspiration this project has brought into their lives. We invite our listeners to continue exploring the world of natural sounds and music through our online platforms, ensuring the journey into nature's symphony is just the beginning.

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On August 30th 2024, 'We Are Biophonica' was launched out into the world.  For the album, Peter Raeburn collaborated with Martyn Stewart and The Listening Planet team.   In this conversation, we learn more about the journey they went on together, how it all began and how this beautiful collaboration has transformed them both.

Wind back to over a year ago and a serendipitous meeting in London at the Platoon offices.  Pete shares that moment and how an unplanned meeting, all about nature sounds and their creative potential, sparked a profound and unique partnership.

Peter Raeburn’s music tenderly enfolds the splendor of Martyn's natural sounds, unifying them into one harmonious symphonic form that traces a lifecycle from infancy to slumber. ‘We Are Biophonica’ reminds us that we are all intertwined as part of nature’s orchestra and underscores our guiding truth – humanity resides within nature, and we will find connection and peace within ourselves once we learn to cherish its embrace and protect our home. 

We delve into the concept and meaning of each track and the overarching philosophy of living in harmony with nature. The episode culminates in a powerful narrative about the emotional experiences derived from merging soundscapes, particularly the transition from the terrestrial to the oceanic realm. Through evocative storytelling, we confront the awe-inspiring and humbling power of nature while advocating for a greater appreciation of our environment. Amidst discussions on global crises, we emphasize the often-overlooked plight of animals and the essential role humans play in both creating and solving these issues. Join us for an episode that promises not only to entertain but also to inspire a renewed sense of responsibility towards our planet.

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Join us for another A Life in Sound special with Martyn Stewart and Rapper, DJ, Zoologist, Musician, Presenter| Reconnecting diaspora to 🌿| BBC Creator in Residence NHU | Musician Louis VI.

Together, Louis and Martyn worked on his track Orange Skies as part of the United Nations Live 'Sounds Right' initiative where Nature was officially launched as an artist, Earth Day 2024.   https://open.spotify.com/track/5g2SGvTGdCwTtu37KJskwr

Join them in conversation at they journey through the fascinating world of natural soundscapes, the fragile beauty of endangered species and how this all informs Louis' music. We kick things off with a remarkable story about capturing the elusive calls of the mountain chicken frog, and we explore the unexpected joys and challenges of field recording. Discover the irreplaceable value of audio archives housing over 100,000 files, each one a sonic treasure from a rapidly changing world.

Sound is a powerful barometer of our planet's health, and this episode underscores the deep emotional connections we have with natural audio. We reveal how modern life has created a disconnect between society and nature, emphasizing the importance of reintroducing these sounds to younger generations. Dive into the unique intersection of music and nature, where genres like hip-hop and rap are used as tools to raise awareness about climate change and biodiversity loss, conveying powerful messages that resonate on a personal level.

As we immerse ourselves in the meticulous process of capturing untouched natural sounds, you'll gain insights into the impacts of human activities such as noise pollution on animal communication. From ants to elephants, we discuss the innovative efforts to bridge interspecies communication, featuring projects like Project SETI. Reflect on the meditative experience of field recording and the stories these sounds tell about environmental destruction, from deforestation to forest fires. By the end of this episode, you'll come away with a renewed appreciation for the beauty of natural soundscapes and our collective responsibility to protect them.

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Have you ever felt the profound beauty and sorrow that nature's soundscapes can evoke? Join us in a heartfelt conversation with Martyn Stewart from A Life in Sound and composer Peter Hall as they talk about their new collaboration called Loved & Lost.

‘Loved and Lost’ is a heartfelt tribute to the beauty of our natural world and a poignant reflection on its fragility and potential degradation. Each track is a narrative, echoing the intricate connections within ecosystems, the delicate balance that sustains them plus a subtle, yet powerful commentary on the looming threats of environmental degradation and climate change.

​This album is ultimately a love letter, but one that also expresses profound grief.  Nature is our greatest healer, and she urgently needs our love to be restored to health. 

Peter shares his journey of connecting deeply with the oceanic world through music. Discover how he blends melodies with natural soundscapes to authentically portray the interconnectedness of nature and humanity, reflecting the grief and loss caused by environmental degradation. Prepare to be moved as we aim to foster a genuine emotional connection and highlight the urgent need for environmental awareness and action.

Explore the powerful intersection of music and activism in our discussion on how soundscapes and melodies convey potent messages. From personal grief to shared environmental concerns, we delve into the emotional layers embedded in music, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and a mission larger than personal gain. Their conversation underscores the collaborative effort to raise awareness about the planet's struggles, particularly the ocean's plight, and the importance of creating music that not only touches hearts but also inspires action.

Together they discuss the complex interplay between public awareness, cultural perceptions, and activism, and emphasize the need for empathy and self-love. From the irony of chasing material wealth at the expense of environmental health to the simple joys that nature provides, we encourage our listeners to immerse themselves in the natural world. Tune in to the "Listening Planet" podcast and join us in fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment and a stronger commitment to protecting it.

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Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador in the open ocean, a volcanic archipelago straddles the equator. The Galapagos Islands, forged of black lava and named for the giant tortoises that are among their most noted inhabitants, are like no other place on Earth. Home to a profuse array of unique wildlife, the islands offer an immersion in nature that feels primeval. Iguanas and blue-footed boobies share the beaches with us, unfazed by our presence. Giant tortoises amble through our private camp, their golden eyes looking out from wizened faces. Inquisitive sea lions play with us in the clear turquoise water, as Galapagos penguins dart by and sea turtles glide past. Author Herman Melville, who visited the islands in 1841, shortly after Darwin's momentous visit, called them the "Enchanted Isles"—an apt moniker for a realm that remains otherworldly, even today.

Prepare to be transported to these breathtaking Islands as Martyn recounts his unforgettable 2019 adventure.  In this episode, he shares his initial surprise at the bustling life on Santa Cruz and then quickly escapes to immerse himself in the diverse landscapes —from volcanic craters to serene mangrove forests of the remote and rugged Isabela Island. 

Picture the exhilarating yet rough ferry ride that led to encounters with frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas, and even Galapagos penguins. He vividly describes the island's lush mangroves, twisting vines, and pristine beaches that create a picture of an untouched paradise. Through personal anecdotes and observations, he paints a vibrant picture of the island's unique wildlife behaviors and captivating interactions.

Lastly, he reflects on the complex balance between conservation and tourism. His experiences navigating the crowded and commercialized areas of Santa Cruz contrast sharply with the untouched beauty of Isabella, raising important questions about the impact of human presence. Despite these challenges, his passion for responsible eco-tourism shines through. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of preserving the Galapagos' natural splendor for future generations, punctuated by personal challenges and moments of awe.

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Embark on an aural expedition with Martyn Stewart, as we traverse the lush landscapes of Belize, uncovering the rich tapestry of sounds that define this vibrant country.  We rapidly escape the buzz of Belize City for the serene seclusion of Pine Mountain Lodge. . Feel the pounding heart of the tropical thunderstorm, and chuckle along with Martyn's quirky mnemonic for the short-billed pigeon's call. Experience firsthand the acoustic challenges he encountered while recording the symphony of birdlife, bat calls in Orange Walk, and the enchanting nighttime frog chorus, all while reflecting on the dangers of bandit-populated roads that necessitate military escorts.

As darkness blankets Central America, we're serenaded by nature's lullaby—the reliable cadence of sunset at six and the harmonious tunes of the melodious blackbird and the light-coloured thrush. This episode is more than just a sensory journey; it's an open invitation to immerse yourself in the environmental splendor of Belize, whether through the stories and sounds shared here or through the continuous echo of nature's symphony online and on social media. 

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