Artist hooks up headphones to mighty oak tree — so nature fans can listen to its internal rustic rumblings
AN artist has hooked up headphones to a mighty oak — so nature fans can listen to its internal rustic rumblings.
Alex Metcalf’s amazing project captures the bubbling of water as it surges from roots to leaves.
He told The Sun: “I was sitting in my studio when I decided it would be interesting to listen to the inside of a tree.
“I started the journey of how I could do it and it took a year to research and develop the right microphone.”
Product designer Alex created a “tree trumpet", a 30-metre mic placed against the bark and used like a stethoscope.
We listened to the soothing pop of water mixing with air as it rises from the roots up the trunk via the xylem tubes.
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This movement provides the tree with the necessary water and minerals to keep it cool before they turn into sap.
An average-sized oak will absorb 200 litres of water on a warm day.
Also audible is the oak groaning as it sways beneath the sun.
Cornishman Alex, 42, says each type of tree has its own sound.
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He is taking his Tree Listening Project across the UK to provide a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
The installation is available at Exbury Gardens, Hants, until July 2.
If you don’t be-leaf it book a visit . .
