Natural soundscapes as a disciplinary bridge in pursuit of sustainability: research themes and priorities

Natural soundscapes, a blend of natural and human-made sounds, enhance human health by reducing stress, improving cognitive function, and increasing happiness. They foster a connection to nature and raise awareness of biodiversity loss. Soundscapes also bridge science and art; scientists study them to understand ecological dynamics, while artists use them for creative expression. The ‘Ecotones: Soundscapes of Trees’ research network explored the role of soundscapes in sustainability through workshops in South Korea and the United Kingdom (May–July 2022) attended by a group of 30 researchers and practitioners from a broad range of disciplines. Discussions highlighted themes like health, quietness, cultural context, and the role of digital technology in revealing inaudible soundscapes. The network emphasized the potential of soundscapes to promote environmental empathy and wellbeing and also identified knowledge gaps, particularly regarding how contextual factors influence soundscape perception and their use. Future research will benefit both from the insights gained and the questions raised, providing diverse perspectives on how to address these knowledge gaps to better understand the impact of soundscapes across disciplines.