SOIL MICROBES MELODIES WORKSHOP
DR PAUL GRANJON, LOUIE DESTOUCHES, AND PROFESSOR JACK HANNAMMARCH, 2026
Soil Microbes Melodies Workshop took place on the Spring Equinox at the Art Research Garden and Art & Ecology Laboratory, organised by CAE members Paul Granjon, Louie Destouches and Jack Hannam. The day explored more-than-human soil ecologies through experimental voice, sound and sensing practices, building on the Singing Compost installation to translate microbial activity into sonic and embodied experience.
Led by voice practitioner Natasha Lohan, the workshop began with barefoot soil sensing, deep listening and collective vocal exercises, followed by explorations of becoming “human soil sensors” through analogue bio-data vocalisation. Participants engaged with electrogenic bacteria research in the Art and Ecology Laboratory, a collective activation with the Singing Compost installation, and informal group discussion alongside a shared picnic.
Conversations throughout the day reflected on sensory approaches to soil health, hybrid art–science formats, and small collective practices as responses to climate anxiety.
The workshop was funded by Black Mountains College and the British Council as part of the Climate Adaptation for Creatives programme.
Soil Microbes Melodies Workshop, 2026. Image credit: Urte Janus.