Join me on a walk along the rocky shore of Kilmurrin Cove at high tide...

As an environmental artist it’s the low tide that I’m most familiar with when the full extend of the lower shore is revealed. The spaciousness and atmosphere of this temporary landscape really appeals to me and I love to witness first hand the ecosystems that are usually underwater.

I’ve more recently been attracted by the high tide. At Kilmurrin the foreshore has a massive deposit of fist-sized rounded rocks. When the waves are strong the back wash drags the smaller aggregate back out to sea creating a powerful and refreshing sound.

For this walk I’ve put on my waders to allow the foamy wash to surround me as I walk along the shore making this recording. You’ll hear my footsteps along the gravel and stones. I cross the stream that is in full flow from the recent rain and place my field recorder under the cliff, on the far side, where a waterfall is draining the surrounding fields.

I’m intrigued by the new sounds offered by this limited interface between the tide and the land. However the poor water quality of our tributaries also reminds me of the impact us humans are having on this fragile environment.

Meanwhile a dozen or so surfers are braving the three metre waves as I explore the thin area of shore between the high water and the cliff. I return for the recorder, wade back across the stream and walk back along the gravel shore knee deep in the foamy wash.

So I hope you enjoy this episode of ‘Sounds of the Copper Coast’...

HIGH TIDE