Rain & Birdsong - Ranworth Broad, Norfolk 2015

http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/ranworth-broad-norfolk/

Rain & Birdsong - Ranworth Broad, Norfolk

http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/leigh-woods-bristol/

Field recording made in Leigh Woods, Bristol on 21/11/2016.

It was a rainy day, so much of the subject matter is the sound of rain against the leaf mould, the trees, and puddles.

Leigh Woods 2016

France 2018

Japan By Ear

Binaural field recording.
Rainwater flowing over our roof. 20/04/2014 1757
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/04/rainwater-flowing-over-rooftop/

Rainwater Flowing Over Rooftop

Fireworks at the Double Locks, Exeter - Nov 2008

Fireworks at the Double Locks, Exeter - Nov 2008 #1

Fireworks at the Double Locks, Exeter - Nov 2008 #2

A field recording made of coastal sounds at Salcombe Regis in October 2008.

In October we went for a walk along the coast starting and ending at Salcombe Regis. On route we passed a secluded (and deserted) beach, which we subsequently learned was a naturist beach! I made a recording while climbing down the steps to the beach.Unfortunately my microphone picked up activity from my mobile phone part way through - hence the presence of some rough edits.

Salcombe Regis

On a crisp autumn day, I visited the historic Bristol Cathedral with my family to experience Gaia exhibition, Luke Jerram’s suspended rotating Earth model.

The air was alive with the gentle murmurs of visitors, their voices blending into a soothing hum as they moved through the space, captivated by the installation.

The Gaia sculpture was stunning representation of our planet, suspended in mid-air, and after a while a choir began rehearsing for an upcoming performance. Their voices filled the air.

Bristol Cathedral Gaia Exhibition Ambience - 27th Oct 2024

On a crisp autumn day, I visited the historic Bristol Cathedral with my family to experience Gaia exhibition, Luke Jerram’s suspended rotating Earth model.

The air was alive with the gentle murmurs of visitors, their voices blending into a soothing hum as they moved through the space, captivated by the installation.

The Gaia sculpture was stunning representation of our planet, suspended in mid-air, and after a while a choir began rehearsing for an upcoming performance. Their voices filled the air.

Recordings made using Sony PCM-M10 build-in mics.

Bristol Cathedral Gaia Exhibition Choir - 27th Oct 2024

On Boxing Day, I set out to capture the serene atmosphere of Lydbrook in the Forest of Dean. The morning was cold and misty, and I placed my Sony PCM-M10 recorder on a fence in the backyard to make an unattended, long-form field recording. The soundscape was soothing: various birdsong filled the air, their melodies sharp against the stillness, occasionally interrupted by the hum of a passing car. Six and a half minutes in, church bells chimed, marking the peaceful passage of time. It was a balm to experience such tranquillity in the countryside, a stone's throw from the River Wye.

Recordings made using Sony PCM-M10 build-in mics.

https://www.binauraldiaries.co.uk/blog/lydbrook-birdsong-boxing-day-26122024-1129

Lydbrook Birdsong Boxing Day 26/12/2024 11:29

https://www.binauraldiaries.co.uk/blog/perrygrove-railway-02092023-1321

Nestled in the heart of the Forest of Dean, Perrygrove Railway offers not only a charming narrow-gauge steam railway experience but also an excellent opportunity for field recording enthusiasts. In September 2023, we made a family visit, and having brought along my Sony PCM-M10 recorder I was able to capture the distinctive sounds of a minimum-gauge train approaching and coming to a standstill.

As the train emerged from the woodland track, the rhythmic chuffing of the steam engine was punctuated by the metallic clatter of wheels against rails. There was a tangible sense of movement conveyed through the recording — the crescendo of sound as the train picked up speed, then gradually softened as it slowed towards the platform.

Perrygrove Railway 02/09/2023 13:21

https://www.binauraldiaries.co.uk/blog/willsbridge-mill-bristol-20052018

During a visit to Willsbridge Mill in 2018, I captured two distinct field recordings using my Sony PCM-M10 recorder. The first recording focused on the water flowing through Siston Brook. The sound of the gentle current, combined with the subtle trickle of smaller streams and the occasional splash against stones, created a calming and immersive natural soundscape.

The second recording embraced the general ambience surrounding the mill. Here, birdcalls formed a peaceful backdrop, intermittently punctuated by the casual voices of other visitors passing through, and sounds from the cafe. This blend of natural and human sounds offers a realistic sense of place, reflecting the mill’s role as both a serene environment and a popular local spot.

Image
Rwendland, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Willsbridge Mill - Ambience 20/05/2018 12:26

Willsbridge Mill - Siston Brook 20/05/2018 12:20

https://www.binauraldiaries.co.uk/blog/morning-birdsong-camping-in-devon-11042025-0600

Recording birdsong at 6am on a woodland campsite in Devon this April was a rewarding experience. The early morning stillness offered an ideal backdrop for capturing the natural soundscape, with the chorus of birds becoming increasingly vibrant as dawn broke over the trees.

Using the Sony PCM-M10's built-in microphones, I was able to achieve clear, immersive recordings despite the limitations of onboard mics in such an environment. The compact design and low noise floor of the PCM-M10 proved advantageous, allowing for unobtrusive placement within the campsite and quick setup.

A highlight of the session was the distinctive tapping and drumming of woodpeckers, which added a dynamic rhythmic element to the recordings. Two recordings were merged to produce the final recording presented here.

Devon Camping Birdsong 11/04/2025 06:00

Rain & Birdsong - Ranworth Broad, Norfolk 2015

http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/ranworth-broad-norfolk/

Ranworth Broad 4 20150613 1547

Ranworth Broad 3 20150613 1532

Ranworth Broad 2 20150613 1530

Ranworth Broad 1 20150613 1525

http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/travel-metro-journey-barcelona/

We used the Barcelona Metro a lot during our visit in 2006, and I took this recording on our way back from Parc Guell to our 'pension' just off La Rambla.  We were riding Linea 3 from Vallcarca to Liceu.

Recorded on 3rd June 2006

Barcelona Metro Journey 180606

Binaural Diaries - Barcelona Metro Journey

Sitting in the tent, and listening to the rain while camping at the Big Chill festival 2005.

Rain On Tent - Big Chill 2005

Recorded at Paignton Zoo on 16 April 2006

Paignton Zoo Aviary Enclosure

http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/porto-metro/

Binaural field recordings of the Porto Metro.

Recorded on 17th September 2016.

Porto Metro Passing 20160917 1213

Field recordings made at Woodhill Bay, Portishead on 14th October 2016.
This was my first outing using the Sony PCM-M10, and involved some clambering on the headland rocks to try and get into a good position.  The tide was quite far out, and the sea calm.

http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/woodhill-bay-portishead/



Gear:
Sony PCM-M10

Portishead Waves Ambience 14th October 2016 16:01

http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/leigh-woods-bristol/

Field recording made in Leigh Woods, Bristol on 21/11/2016.

It was a rainy day, so much of the subject matter is the sound of rain against the leaf mould, the trees, and puddles.


Gear:
Sony PCM-M10

Leigh Woods, 21st November 2016 #6

http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/leigh-woods-bristol/

Field recording made in Leigh Woods, Bristol on 21/11/2016.

It was a rainy day, so much of the subject matter is the sound of rain against the leaf mould, the trees, and puddles.

Gear:
Sony PCM-M10

Leigh Woods  21st November 2016 #5

Leigh Woods 21st November 2016 #4

http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/leigh-woods-bristol/

Field recording made in Leigh Woods, Bristol on 21/11/2016.

It was a rainy day, so much of the subject matter is the sound of rain against the leaf mould, the trees, and puddles.

Gear:
Sony PCM-M10
Sound Professionals SP-TFB-2 in-ear binaural mics

Leigh Woods Binaural 21st November 2016 #3

Leigh Woods Binaural 21st November 2016 #1

https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/carcassonne-june-2018/

A series of field recordings made in Carcassonne, France, combined into a continuous audio journey.

00:00 Admiring the view from the ramparts.
01:30 Inside the Basilique Saint Nazaire.
03:20 Listening to the goats from Le Pont Vieux.
05:24 Pidgeons being fed next to the Aude river.

Gear:
Sony PCM-M10

Carcassonne, France, 8th June 2018

https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/swimming-pool-ambience/

The sounds of an outdoor swimming pool in the Haute-Garonne region of France. As well as the sounds of swimming, the background ambiance includes the sounds of crickets, bees, cockerels crowing and birdsong.

Swimming Pool, France, 7th June 2018

https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/revel-market/

Revel Market takes place every Saturday morning in Revel's covered central square and surrounding streets. It was a pleasure to see the great range of food produce on sale and the bustle of locals and tourists alike.

Gear:
Sony PCM-M10
Sound Professionals SP-TFB2 in-ear binaural mics

Revel Market, France, 9th June 2018

https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/thunderstorm-france/

Field recording of a thunderstorm from the window of a holiday gite, in Beauville, Haute-Garonne. This is a long 22-minute recording, over which time the storm gets livelier and louder.

Gear:
Sony PCM-M10 built-in mics

Thunderstorm, France, 10th June 2018

Recording of the rural ambience in the garden of a holiday gite in southern France.  Number 1 in a series.

Gear:
Sony PCM-M10 built-in mics

French Rural Ambience 1 20180606

Field recording of a police helicopter circling over our neighbourhood on 26th July 2017.

https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/police-helicopter-circling-overhead

Gear:
Sony PCM-M10 built-in mics

Image By Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK (Police Helicopter G-POLA) [CC BY 2.0  (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Police Helicopter Circling Overhead 26th July 2017 2204

https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/alistair-park-woodcarving/

Having talked about doing it for quite some time, I recently visited Alistair Park at his studio at Bower Ashton in Bristol to make field recordings of some of the sounds that his tools make in use.

Alistair has been working with wood for over 20 years, and it was a great pleasure to see him practising his craft and to hear the sounds made by various wood carving techniques that he chose to demonstrate.

It's clear that such craftsmanship relies on an intimate understanding of the associated tools and materials. It goes without saying that the appearance and feel of the wood are key when crafting the raw material into the end result, but I was interested to learn that also the smell of the wood and the sounds made when working it all feed into the creative process.

In this recording Alistair demonstrated the use of a side axe.

You can learn more about Alistair’s work at his website http://www.carvings-with-stories.co.uk, his blog https://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Bristolwoodcarver/.

Alistair Park Woodcarving - Using a Side Axe

Early Morning Birdsong - 3rd May 2020 05:30

https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/early-morning-birdsong/

Early morning field recording of birdsong Bristol.

Inspired by International Dawn Chorus Day:
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/dawn-chorus-day

Gear:
Sony PCM-M10
Clippy Stereo EM172 microphones

Photo by Wojciech Święch on Unsplash

Early Morning Birdsong 3rd May 2020 05:30

A last-minute unplanned recording of fireworks being let off in our neighbourhood using the Sony PCM-M10 built-in mics.

I'd never heard such a cacophony of fireworks let off at such quick succession for so long.  It's slightly muffled as a result of recording indoors with the window only slightly open.

https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/nye-2020-fireworks/

Gear:
Sony PCM-M10 built-in mics

Photo by Fireworks Photo by Erwan Hesry

NYE 2020 Fireworks

http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/japan-strolling-around-outside-kyoto-station/

A binaural field recording made while walking around the entrance area of Kyoto Station, Japan on 27th March 2009.

Outside Kyoto Station

http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/japan-ueno-park-bells-of-time/

A binaural field recording made in Ueno Park, Tokyo, while listening to the 'Bell of Time' on 16th March 2009.

Ueno Bells of Time

A binaural field recording made in Ueno Park, Tokyo, on 16th March 2009.

Ueno

http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/japan-asakusa-pt-3/

A binaural field recording made at the Sensō-ji temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, Japan on 19th March 2009.

Sensō​-​ji 1

http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/japan-buddhist-chanting-at-chion-in-temple/

A field recording made while listening to Buddhist chanting at Chion-in temple in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto on 25th March 2009.

Buddhist Chanting at Chion-in temple

Sensō​-​ji 2

http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/japan-izakaya-at-myoden-station/

A field recording made in an Izakaya at Myoden Station in Chiba, Tokyo on 28th March 2009

Izakaya 1

Izakaya 2

A field recording made during a train journey from Bruges to Brussels on 4 October 2019 – 17:11.

https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/train-from-bruges-to-brussels/

The first leg of our journey home from Bruges. It was a popular route, with many fellow passengers spread across the two levels of the train. The three recordings I’ve cross-faded together capture the contrast between lively chat and the low-register rumbling of the train’s movement.

Recorded using Sony PCM-M10 & Luhd PM-01 microphones

Train From Bruges To Brussels 4th October 2019 17:11

https://binauraldiaries.co.uk

Whether you’re a fellow field recordist, an ASMR/podcast listener, or simply curious about acoustic environments—there’s something here for you. Enjoy exploring the archive, sharing your favourite recordings, or suggesting new ambient locations to capture.

Thank you for tuning in to Binaural Diaries Field Recording—where everyday moments become immersive audio experiences. I hope these recordings bring you delight, calm, and a renewed connection to the ambient world.

BinauralDiaries Field Recording

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks