Protect the 62% – deforestation in Slovenia

A beautiful natural recording from Mesnjak Forest in Slovenia today, submitted by Martina Testen – you can hear all kinds of birdsong surrounding you as you explore the recording, including the crack of woodpecker beaks on trees.

The reimagined version takes as its central thought the idea that 62% of Slovenia is is covered in forests, much of which is “primary forest” – the most biodiverse forest.

Forests, however, are always under threat from industry, whether logging to use the forest’s resources or making way for urban areas and construction. The mighty Bialowieza Forest across Poland, for instance, is under great threat.

This piece is a reminder that we must protect and conserve our forest land from deforestation. The first half is an ambient synth-led celebration of the beauty of natural forests, but the drums represent the encroaching threat of industry, beginning with hats.

Samples of chainsaws are interjected amongst the snares and percussion, and as the drums become more insistent, we are invaded by the full presence of foresting loggers.

The piece closes with a falling tree and a warning.

City version:

Memory version: