Back in 2011, I spent a few days at the natural holistic retreat of Mellowcroft (http://www.mellowcroft.co.uk/) in Llandegley mid-Wales, attending a Sonic Retreat.
In the grounds, the good folk at Mellowcroft had carefully built and looked after an echo pond. I was told that Northern Crested Newt or Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus) and many other creatures now inhabited the pond. I set up my kit on a still sunny September late afternoon (after the pond had received a good amount warmth and sunlight over the course of the day). The pond seemed so still and tranquil above the surface. I gently lowered my hydrophones into the pond to listen . What came out of my headphones very nearly took my breath away!

Below the surface was far from quite, full of the sounds of life! Lesser Water Boatmen and other insects, oxygen bubbles being released at very regular intervals into the water from the many plants in the pond and the most amazing sounds, strange, long, descending tones with a kind of chuckle sound at the end which could be possibly coming from the Newts (although I have no scientific proof for this.). This recording was originally released on the album '...a quiet position: edition two' available as a free download to subscribers of the Wire magazine.in January 2012. 
Recorded using 2x JrF hydrophones, 2x JrF C series hydrophones to an Edirol R4pro recorder, 30th September 2011 around 4:30pm.

The reason for now publishing this recording is that Mellowcroft and this wonderful echo pond is currently under threat. Mellowcroft is facing enforcement action by it's local authority. They been told to remove themselves and all structures from the land and return it to 'agricultural use', they have 9 months to comply. They have appealed to the 'Secretary of State' and the appeal has been accepted and listed for a public hearing. You can help to save this project and protect this echo pond by signing the petition:  https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/action-against-the-mellowcroft-planning-enforcement-notice?source=facebook-share-button&time=1392831150

POND LIFE

Two Year Winter

Hullabaloo

This is the first track from our ep "The Woodlouse EP."

The Woodlouse EP

Woodlouse

Classic track by Liverpool band The Cherry Boys released in 1983. This is the 12" single version (red vinyl)

The Cherry Boys - Kardomah Cafe

composed & performed by aidan peterson
extra vocals by olli

artwork by evan tan
instagram.com/funkvantan

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"Rebirth" is the first track of the EP  "O R I G I N S"  by the author and composer Mroz. Close your eyes and let yourself be carried away by this ode to Nature and let your inner self be guided by this forgotten language.

Rebirth

Tambour is the transition between the old world and the new...

Tambour

Recorded in our winter roundhouse, in the Welsh woodlands. Lovely Sam, we think this a very pinnacle of 21st century song. 

Sung by Sam Lee, with his Shruti Box to accompany him.

Sam Lee - Van Diemansland (live in a Welsh woodland dome)

this is a song I have been working on for a while but can't come up with any lyrics for it, its just a really rough version, would be nice to get some feedback or input. 

Places

Sounds from the East Coast of Scotland; the tide lapping against the shore, a rustling reed bed and birdsong. 

Two Year Winter

Helen sings and plays a bit

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