ear to the ground
Karen Howse

My listening took place at a forest I visit regularly and know quite well. It is called Witherdon Wood and is a mixed broadleaf and pine managed woodland. I lay down on the ground on the moss by an ancient Beech hedge. This took place on Thursday 4th June 2009 at midday. I don’t know how long I listened for it could be from 1 minute to 10 minutes.

The response is a painting in Chinese ink and dyes on paper in a bark case, picked up from the site tied with nettle string. I made it in the woods after putting my ear to the ground.

I found out recently that a few steps away from this spot there is a burial mound, hidden from view by brambles. I had been searching for this mound, and hadn’t realised it was so close to the spot I had chosen at the time.