17th Field Trip to Alice Holt Forest
From left-right, Anna Xambó, Luigi Marino, Tug O’Flaherty, Andrés Sánchez Castrillón, Xinyue Xu and James Shortland.
On Friday 28 February 2025, we went on a field trip to Alice Holt Forest with the QMUL MSc students Xinyue, Tug, Andres, and James to meet Luigi and experience the streamers and Pete’s Dendrophone installation on site. After enjoying a nice walk from the Bentley station to the Alice Holt Visitor Centre and our weekly meeting in the Alice Holt Cafe with a rewarding coffee/tea, we met with Luigi and started our expedition.
Willows Green Trail: Dendrophone and Paula’s streamer
The tasks for this first part of the expedition in the Willows Green Trail included mainly three.
First, we helped Luigi with the regular maintenance tasks: code update, battery exchange of Pete’s installation and Luigi’s streamer, and backup of the SD card with the recordings of the month.
Second, we placed two QR codes manufactured with the help of Geetha Bommireddy using a laser cutter machine. It took us some time to find this waterproof solution thanks to the advice from Geetha and the feedback from Luigi and Pete. We placed one QR code in acrylic for Pete’s installation and one QR code in wood material for Luigi’s (Paula) streamer using VELCRO tape on the two respective chalkboards.
Third, we coated the wooden QR code using acrylic coating.
Meadow near the pond: Giorgio’s streamer
After lunch, we went to the meadow where the natural soundscape streamer is located to conduct three more tasks.
First, we helped Luigi with the regular maintenance tasks: code update and backup of the SD card with recordings.
Second, we placed a new blackboard using a mallet as well as placed the wooden QR code and coated it.
Third, Luigi presented the group with in-depth detail on how the streamer works.
Follow-up
Overall, it was a beautiful day outdoors and we achieved all our objectives for the day.
Next, we need to update the A4 scientific poster because the laminated paper version collects water and the ink with the text disappears. The summer time is coming soon and we will need to change the angle of the solar panels back to the expected angle in spring/summer seasons.
Acknowledgements
Thanks to Danielle Grimsey and Emma Ward for their help with the logistics of the day and Geetha Bommireddy for her help and support with printing the QR codes.