Assets for Shared Prosperity funding report
Promotional material
Field recording workshop
Roundhouse build


Pond build
Fencing for growing area


Plot plan

Testimonials
I have visited the Musicology Project plot in Stanmer about five times in the last year – both as a volunteer and to see live performances in the willow dome. Each time I go there it has a profound effect on me – helping me to connect sound to nature. Mostly when you are in a brick building, nature appears separate, however on the plot I get the feeling of being connected and “in “ nature – which is very calming. The people in charge are so positive and non-judgemental – and are generous with their time.
I’ve attended three performances in the willow dome – which is the only time I’ve experienced music inside a living structure. It’s magical really – a perfect embodiment of what the project is about – sound, music and ecology.
I can’t wait to see the other facilities that are being planned and built – the roundhouse, the solar array and the kilns. I don’t know of any other space like it that will let me create and experience sound in a natural setting.
It’s a fantastic project and it has my full backing. Every time I go there I meet new inspiring people and hope that I will continue to be part of this growing community.
Tim Rabjohns
I have now been volunteering with this group for a year and feel I have come across a creative caring and fun group which is dedicated to building community and links to nature.
It is great to get out in the fresh air and see the project slowly develop.
I have dug ponds which are now alive with frogs and larvae and hearing the activity through hydrophones brings this space alive in ways I could not have imagined.
I have also dug trenches and planted food as well as learned about innovative ways of growing. I have no garden myself so I love this aspect of the project.
It has been wonderful to watch the seasons pass and experience music in the willow dome – sometimes with the wind rustling the leaves, sometimes with light rain drops coming through the canopy and sometimes with the sound of fat bees cutting through the still air.
I have also helped build the roundhouse which has been a real joint effort and is something we are all really proud of.
I love how this project joins people and nature and sound – there are not many spaces in our city for sonic contemplation and so this is really important. It also offers a chance for us urbanites to feel and explore a connection to nature and I hope it carries on forever.
Venetia Voltage
I find that The ecomusicology project is a unique meeting space for people of different skills, ages and backgrounds to come together and engage in sharing new ideas in an open outdoor space. A lot of music venues/spaces are, most of the time, confined indoors and have limited interactions within projects like this. Its been great coming up and getting involved either with volunteering or playing at improvised music sessions.
Luke
It has been really rewarding being part of The Ecomusicology Project collective. The plot has allowed us to feel like we have a home in Stanmer Park. We were funded through the Stanmer Park Restoration project to engage communities in the park and changes through Interactive Listening Walks and music-making workshops 2022-23. Following this, it’s been important to maintain the connection to the park and develop our activities further. We’ve been able to re-run several of the Interactive Listening Walks and end these at the plot. Welcoming people to the plot, especially the willow dome, has enhanced the walks, creating a magical space for people to do a final listening exercise and then share how they found it. We’ve also been able to pilot new activities on the plot such as the soundmapping workshops. It’s been invaluable to have a supportive place to experiment with new techniques and we’ve had great feedback from participants – for example:
“Thanks for a lovely workshop, I have learned that I really want to learn bird sounds as I think I will feel more of a connection to the land I live in and the other creature I share my back garden with, without having to see them” (workshop participant)
We’ve also taken part in the volunteer workdays and music in the dome. Being part of the collective in this way has allowed us to make new connections. We ran taster activities as part of the Stanmer Organics open day in the summer and got the opportunity to talk to lots of people interested in the work. We’re looking forward to further engaging different communities through listening with nature and green spaces.
Dr Bethan Prosser