Soundscapes for Wellbeing is a brand new BBC project which will run from Tuesday 25th January through until the end of February, simultaneously marking the launch of The Virtual Nature Experiment commissioned by both the BBC and University of Exeter.
Rebecca Sandiford, BBC Music Commissioning Executive, shared that Soundscapes for Wellbeing “is a collaboration involving teams right across the BBC” and that it’s all about “offering imaginative ways for audiences at home to immerse themselves in the natural world – something we all need right now.”
As such, various nature themed and special music programmes will be broadcast across the BBC’s radio and television channels over the coming weeks. The thoughtful schedule will help everyone to feel the positive impact of wildlife from the safety of their own homes, something that will be particularly valuable to those currently self-isolating and shielding.
Meanwhile, as part of the new campaign, members of the public will also have the opportunity to contribute to The Virtual Nature Experiment, which is being supported by legendary sound recordist, Chris Watson, and award-winning film composer, Nainita Desai.
Essentially, the experiment seeks to explore the emotions people feel when they engage with natural environments in varying online and broadcast formats, whether these are rich digital scenes, immersive natural sound recordings, or big budget wildlife documentaries.
Joining in with the experiment takes just 10 minutes and involves using either your laptop or phone to play one of several short videos. Afterwards, you will be invited to answer a series of questions, which will hopefully help scientists to understand how best to bring the benefits of nature to people who are unable to easily get outside.
People spending time in spinal centres across the UK often experience prolonged periods of bed rest and as patients are currently particularly vulnerable to Coronavirus, the experiment has the potential to bring all the benefits of places like Horatio’s Garden to them without endangering their health.
Moreover, as the results of The Virtual Nature Experiment have the potential to unlock a whole new way of embracing gardens and gardening, we’re keen to encourage everyone to take part. Your support will not only help others in future, but will also ensure that you too can enjoy the calming beauty of nature wherever you are.
