Buzzard View: Chapter 9: Tivington View: completing the loop

Back down through the densely wooded Selworthy Combe to where we started, we look out across the vale again towards one more farm at Holnicote – and focus our gaze on one more farm, which has another story to tell, this time of the generational and cultural challenges of adapting to the climate and biodiversity crises after decades of being encouraged to maximise productivity at all costs. This farm has moved from intensive arable farming to a more sustainable approach to farming, in collaboration with the National Trust, and a new farm school is enabling children with challenges to discover new and inspiring ways to connect with nature.

Location: ///paces.ethic.jazzy

Buzzard View: Chapter 9: Tivington View: completing the loop

This literary soundwalk follows the East Devon Way, exploring the nature, landscape, wildlife, and layers of history that make this place unique. 

This is the chapter version of the soundwalk: different parts map onto different stages of the route, and there are a couple of bonus tracks too, including an incredible song thrush scatting in the dawn chorus. More details on the route and location can be found at www.ellenwiles.com

The route begins at Woodbury Castle, an iron age fort overlooking the sea, then wends its way across the pebbled heathland nature reserves of Woodbury and Harpford Commons, exploring its complex and ancient history, and its reams of wildlife. It dips down to the mossy depths of Harpford Wood, past a ghostly tunnel and a waterfall, and then heads up again, through a donkey meadow, to the crest of Fire Beacon Hill for an exhilarating buzzard’s eye view. You can scroll through a gallery of photos of the route below, and see an illustrated map of the route.

Written, narrated and produced by Ellen Wiles. 
Sound recording by Ellie Williams.
Sound design and production by Nicholas Allan.
Commissioned by the East Devon AONB and Double Elephant.

Top listening tip: please use high fidelity speakers or headphones in order to access a more immersive listening experience.

Pebbled Heights: Bonus track: Tunnel echoes

Pebbled Heights: Epilogue: Nightjar lullaby + Credits

Pebbled Heights: Part 4: Fire Beacon Hill

Pebbled Heights: Part 3: Harpford Wood

Pebbled Heights: Part 2: Aylesbeare & Harpford Commons

Pebbled Heights: Part 1: Woodbury Castle & Common

Pebbled Heights: Prologue: Stepping out

Pebbled Heights: Bonus track: Dawn chorus, Harpford Wood

writer, multidisciplinary artist, sound producer

Buzzard View: Chapter 9: Tivington View: completing the loop

Ellen Wiles

Related tracks