A new six-part series by ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían Mac Gloinn (Ye Vagabonds) celebrates some of Ireland’s native trees. Each episode in this series is about a tree species, weaving together history, ecology and folklore with traditional tunes and especially composed songs by Brían Mac Gloinn, one half of the folk duo Ye Vagabonds. Together, Anja and Brían create a unique portrait of pioneering birch, adaptable willow, golden rodded hazel, protective holly, strong oak and generous ash. There are interviews with a master basket maker, a folklorist, an archaeologist, an ecologist, so that the story of each tree is told through the many ways in which it has infused Ireland’s wildlife, and cultural heritage.
Episode 5: Ash
Ash is one of the commonest of Irish trees, a rich supporter of native wildlife. For this episode, Anja and Brían and explore the sonic world of bats foraging through ash trees at dusk with entomologist and bat conservation specialist Tina Aughney. This inspires a new composition by percussionist Matthew Jacobson Bat Speak reinterprets the intriguing super-sonic sounds of hunting bats. The pair also travel to North Cork to talk to woodworker Feargus De Brún about making hurleys and working with ash. Brían, Matthew and fiddler Jesse Smith perform both traditional tunes and newly composed songs about ash.
Presenters: Anja Murray and Brían Mac Gloinn
Produced by: Anja Murray
Original score and songs by Brían Mac Gloinn, Matthew Jacobsen and Jesse Smith
Sound Design & Editing: Brían Mac Gloinn
Producer for RTÉ lyric fm: Eoin O Kelly
Production Co-ordinator: Peter Curtin
RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 20th November, 6pm-7pm