Sonic
Pond Dipping
Fun, practical workshops that offer young people the chance to discover their own freshwater adventures.
Sonic pond-dipping introduces people to the hidden soundscapes of their local pond. Listening to invertebrates, amphibians, and even aquatic plants, offers a curiosity-driven approach to learning about freshwater ecology.Underwater technologies are explored as creative tools whilst focussed interaction with blue spaces enhances well-being in general.
listen to underwater soundscapes
“Thank you for doing something different. There are a lot of art events and craft activities but this was something totally different and lots of fun. We’d love to do it again!”
case study
The first group of sonic pond-dippers arrived at a nature reserve in County Durham in February 2022. Instead of nets, they clasped headphones. In their hands were audio recorders, not white specimen trays.
become a citizen-scientist for the day
The sounds feed into research being undertaken by a global team of acoustic ecologists.
Purchase your own hydrophone
Want to listen to underwater soundscapes for yourself?You can purchase your own AquaBeat hydrophone right here. Developed by David Rothenberg, it works with any recording device that has a 3.5mm input and is specifically designed for freshwater environments. Exclusively available in the UK through this website!For more information, or if you need assistance, send an email using the form below.For full technical details, check out the official AquaBeat website. Below is a recording made with this hydrophone:
book your listening experience
Can be arranged for family events, public engagement activities, academic conferences, or ecological workshops.
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