Binaural Diaries Field Recording

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.

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 , via Wikimedia Commons

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 , via Wikimedia Commons

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.

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