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The Documentary: Izabela in the forest

Izabela in the forest

12/09/2023 GMT

BBC World Service - The Documentary, Izabela in the forest

Izabela Dłuzyk explores the wonderful sounds of Europe’s last primeval forest.

Izabela Dłużyk explores Europe's last primeval forest, Białowieza, which stretches for 1000 kilometres through Poland and Belarus, and has cast its shade since the last ice age.

Hear the marvellous sounds of Europe's last primeval forest, Białowieza, in an immersive experience rich with all kinds of bird song and animal sounds, including that of the rare European bison. They're recorded by Polish field recordist Izabela Dłużyk. 

Izabela is unusual as a young woman recordist, in a profession dominated by men - all the more so because she has been blind from birth. She developed a special sensitivity to birdsong ever since her family gave her a tape recorder at the age of 12, and she at once turned its microphone towards the sky. She identifies species entirely though her ears, with an extraordinarily detailed depth of field.

Hearing the forest through Izabela’s acute ears, we venture into her world as well as that of the wilderness she loves. Recorded on location in Białowieza, we also hear night and dawn recordings that bring all sorts of surprises to the microphone.

Produced by Monica Whitlock. Mixed by Neil Churchill

Image: Izabela Dłużyk in the Białowieza forest (Credit: Dovana Films)

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