WWF SA Soundscapes: Bringing nature inside

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” - Albert Einstein

The bushveld has always been the place where my family goes to recharge. Whether it’s on the farm in the Karoo or a weekend in the Timbavati, there’s nothing that allows us to rest and relax the same way as when we are in nature.

With the lockdown, this has been what we miss most. Being surrounded by bushveld and wildlife, limited cell signal, far away from city responsibilities... It has been the only consistent remedy to refresh our outlook and perspective on all things, and to clear our heads from everyday distractions and noise.

Fortunately, WWF South Africa has an amazing initiative to put us all back in touch with nature. They have launched a restful playlist of the unique sounds heard in Africa’s natural environment for is all to enjoy at home - no matter where in the world you are.

“We wanted to allow people to experience the richness of nature. With many of us feeling overwhelmed by the current state of the world and the unique disruptions we are facing, it is imperative for us to take care of our mental and emotional well-being. Nature provides the perfect ‘escape’ that we need during this time,” says Justin Smith, head of business development at WWF South Africa.

There are 10 different soundscapres that can be enjoyed in any setting. I have found them to be great background sounds whilst working and studying - my favorites being A Moment in the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, A National Park Picnic and A Morning with a Sugarbird.

For access to the WWF SA Soundscape Playlist, visit wwf.org.za or click on the below links:

1. SoutPansberg 

2. HighVeld 

3. Fishing 

4. Rhino 

5. Beach 

6. Bees 

7. Sugarbird  

8. National Park                         

9. Windfarm 

10. Pastures

The soundscapes will also be available on various streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Deezer, Google Play and Amazon. A percentage of the streaming royalties will go to support WWF SA’s ongoing conservation work, at no cost to the platform user.

Link to the soundscapes on Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/za/artist/wwf-south-africa/1518377932

“We are excited to share soundscapes with our audiences. Distance does not mean disconnect, and we hope that with this platform we can help bring some solace and peace to people in these extraordinarily trying times. At the same time, we want to highlight that nature still matters; we must continue safeguarding it so that we can all enjoy it together again in the future. As an added benefit, every time a track is streamed, WWF will earn a modest amount of much-needed money to put towards its conservation efforts,” says Justin.