In Search of Birds - a sound-and-nature walk

Spring is a time of change. Life, dormant in winter, begins another cycle of development, growth, reproduction and dying. With spring, birds return from wintering grounds, start competing for mates, breeding sites and food. For a passing human, these trillings adorned with bird sounds evoke pleasant feelings. For the birds it is a time of tension, stress, fighting for place in the hierarchy and a struggle for individual and species survival.

Łęgowski Forest is a place of transition — squeezed between anthropocentric pressures: a flood embankment separating it from the element that created it, a power and heat plant complex and housing estates. Perhaps in the long run this ecosystem is doomed to disappear in its current form unless active conservation measures are taken to preserve this remnant of riparian forests that once entirely covered the banks of the former, wild Vistula.

You are invited to a walk along the regulated Łęgówka, during which we will listen, smell, look and experience this magical place in the heart of Nowa Huta. The walk will last about 2.5–3 hours.

Required: wearing comfortable, waterproof trekking shoes and bringing a rain poncho in case of rain.

We recommend bringing wired headphones. We also encourage bringing binoculars and — if someone has them — sound recorders, although participation without extra equipment is perfectly possible.

Leading: Maciej Wirmański is interested in sound. He creates field recordings and music for theatre, radio dramas, gallery and museum spaces. He is a sound designer, music producer and composer. He generates sounds from unusual sources, using unconventional methods. He organizes workshops and sound walks. He performs his own music and presents soundscape shows. He works as a sound engineer and boom operator on film sets. He runs the experimental music and field recordings label Szara Reneta. He lives under the Tatra Mountains, on the Polish–Slovak border.

"Przyroda Czyżyn" is a series of educational events implemented in cooperation with the XIV Czyżyny District Council.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• The meeting is intended for adults; it is possible to arrange assistance and audio description.
• Registration for the walk is required at https://www.strefazajec.pl/course/view/id/84986.
• Ticket price: 20 zł, payable via Strefa Zajęć.
• Additional information and arranging assistance: nhlab@okn.edu.pl, tel. +48 12 644 27 65 ext. 20, 21

If you have additional needs we should know about so that you can participate comfortably, safely and fully in the event, please inform us about them when registering by email.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The walk will take place in green areas, including less or more accessible corners of the forest. Please wear comfortable footwear and clothing suitable for outdoor activity. In case of rain the walk will not be canceled — you only need to adapt your outfit to the weather conditions.

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION:

• The route of the walk will run through developed areas of Łęgowski Forest. Reaching it does not require a car — you can get there on foot, by bike or by public transport.
• Wide, comfortable paths run through the forest, many of them hardened and even, which makes them suitable for strollers, bicycles or older people.
• Some paths may be less comfortable after rain, but for the most part the area is friendly to all visitors. During the walk we will leave marked paths and peek into less obvious nooks.

Live audio description: Barbara Pasterak and Maciej Wirmański.

CONTACT:
Nowohuckie Laboratorium Dziedzictwa
Ośrodek Kultury Norwida
os. Górali 5, 31-959 Kraków
Tel. +48 12 644 27 65 ext. 20, 21
nhlab@okn.edu.pl
https://www.nhlab.okn.edu.pl
https://www.facebook.com/NHlabOKN