Forest 404

Using a BBC drama series to explore the impact of nature’s changing soundscapes on human wellbeing and behavior

Bibliographic Data

ID12262249
AuthorsAlexander J Smalley (0000-0001-5884-1855, University of Exeter, corresponding author), Mathew P White (0000-0002-4168-7289, University of Exeter), Rebecca Ripley (British Broadcasting Corporation (United Kingdom)), Timothy X Atack, Eliza Lomas (British Broadcasting Corporation (United Kingdom)), Mike Sharples (0000-0001-7081-3320, The Open University), Peter A Coates (University of Bristol), Nick Groom (0000-0002-5405-7796, University of Macau), Ann Grand (0000-0003-4384-5997, The Open University), Ailish Heneberry (British Broadcasting Corporation (United Kingdom)), Lora E Fleming (0000-0003-1076-9967, University of Exeter), Michael H Depledge (0000-0002-7216-0439, University of Exeter)
Year2022
Volume74
Pages102497-102497
Publication date2022-03-22
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGlobal Environmental Change (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0959-3780 • E-ISSN: 1872-9495
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2022.102497
PMID36406626
OpenAlexW4220746176
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited91

Extensive ecosystem degradation and increasing urbanization are altering human relationships with nature. To explore these trends, we created a transdisciplinary, narrative-led podcast series produced by the BBC, called Forest 404 . The series explored the implications of a world without nature. An online experimental component mobilized audience participation (n = 7,596) to assess responses to natural soundscapes with and without abiotic, biotic, and poetic elements across five biomes. Conditions featuring the sounds of wildlife, such as bird song, were perceived to be more psychologically restorative than those without. Participants' personal lived experiences were strongly related to these outcomes; those who had memories triggered by the sounds were more likely to find them psychologically restorative and exhibited a greater motivation to preserve them. Moreover, the effects of both soundscape composition and memories on preservation behavior were partially mediated by restorative potential; respondents were more likely to want to protect the sounds they heard if they thought they might offer therapeutic outcomes. Our findings highlight the value of art-science collaborations and demonstrate how maintaining contact with the natural world can promote wellbeing and foster behaviors that protect planetary health

Aesthetics · Art · Biome · Drama · Ecosystem · Environmental ethics · Geography · Literature · Narrative · Natural (archaeology · Natural sounds · Sound (geography · Soundscape · Urbanization · Visual arts · Multisensory perception and integration · Noise Effects and Management · Psychology · Urban Green Space and Health · Ecology

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