Steve plugs in to nature’s melody at farm
NATURALIST Steve Backshall has captured the sounds of an organic farm in the West to teach people about biodiversity.
Yeo Valley, the family-owned organic farm and dairy manufacturing business in Blagdon, Somerset, is helping people to plug into nature and out of lockdown, with a one-off, unique biodiversity and wildlife soundscape that brings the outside world in.
The recording brings to life all the wonderful and unique sounds that can be heard on an organic dairy farm, in a bid to raise awareness of biodiversity and the importance of a thriving environment and wildlife.
Supported by Mr Backshall, Yeo Valley captured the different hums, echoes and buzzes from the farm throughout the day to form a 15-minute soundscape filled with nature’s melody.
Over the course of the bustling track, people are invited to listen in on a number of species, including bees, mice, voles, owls and skylarks in their natural environment to showcase how organic farming is home to a whole range of creatures and wild plants.
Created to highlight the importance of nature, the soundtrack shines a light on the role organic farms play in a sustainable future. Organic dairy farming means that not a single pesticide or chemical fertiliser is used, and animals, bugs and plants can flourish and prosper in harmony while creating food we can trust, as well as enjoy.
Mr Backshall said: “I am absolutely delighted to see this soundscape come to life. It’s amazing to hear all the creatures that live in and around us, whether it is on an organic dairy farm like Yeo Valley’s, which is bursting with wildlife and nature, or even in your own back garden.
“Biodiversity is a topic very close to my heart and we can all do our bit to champion our surrounding environment and help create a more sustainable future for the thriving species that occupy it. We don’t often get to hear the natural sounds of biodiversity so it really is a magical moment.”
Kate Sharrock, brand manager for Yeo Valley Organic, said: “We’re so pleased to be unveiling our Yeo Valley Farm soundscape.
“Yeo Valley is a big supporter of biodiversity and we know the importance of a thriving natural environment and the benefits that organic farming brings which is why we’re encouraging consumers to support a more sustainable future and buy organic products like that of Yeo Valley.
“It’s great to be able to spread the buzz of biodiversity in a way that hasn’t been done before and bring organic farming to consumers wherever they may be!”
To listen to the soundscape, visit the Yeo Valley website to download the full soundtrack and check out Steve Backshall’s short biodiversity ‘how to videos’ – www.yeovalley. co.uk/biodiversity-with-steve-backshall/