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Never mind talking to the animals, just try listening to the trees...
Exploring the natural world takes on an eerie new dimension at an exhibition which allows visitors to listen to trees through headphones.
Artist Alex Metcalf says the Tree Listening Installation at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, near Harrogate, will give visitors plenty to talk about.
A live feed to the interior of the tree is provided through headphones dangling from the tree's branches to water being pulled up from its roots through the trunk, right up to its leaves.
You hear a quiet popping sound that is produced by water mixing with air as it passes through the cells on its way upwards. In the background is a deep rumbling sound that is produced by the tree vibrating.
Mr Metcalf said: "When children hear it for the first time they tend to think it is thunder or a motorbike. But then as you keep listening you can pick out a clicking sound, which is slightly hidden. Once you hear it you can't ignore it."
His "bugging device" is a polished metal cone, based on an old-fashioned ear trumpet but packed with technology that amplifies tiny sound by up to 400 times, then filters out unwanted noise.
The Listening Installation is just one of the activities at the exhibition until September 27. For information call 0845 130 4646, or visit www.rhs.org.uk
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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