Crashing waves and whale song - study reveals our favourite sounds

Brits’ favourite natural sounds include waves crashing against the shore, the gentle trickle of water flowing in a stream – and hauntingly beautiful whale song. A poll of 2,000 adults found these were closely followed the morning chorus of birds singing, with the trumpeting crescendo of wild elephants rounding off the top five. However, 44 per cent worry they won’t have the chance to enjoy the sounds of nature because of climate change. More than a quarter (27 per cent) admit being too busy to listen to the sounds around them while on their travels – with 26 per cent of these blaming noisy traffic. Despite this, 93 per cent admit they feel relaxed in the sounds of nature – although, fewer than half (49 per cent) often make the effort to experience those nearby. The research was commissioned by Dolby to mark its launch of ‘Seven Sonic Wonders of the World’ [https://music.apple.com/gb/album/the-seven-sonic-wonders/1733901685]. BRITS’ TOP 10 FAVOURITE NATURAL SOUNDS 1. Sound of waves crashing against the shore 2. The gentle sound of water flowing in a stream 3. The haunting and beautiful songs of whales 4. Elephants in the wild 5. Morning chorus of birdsong 6. Water cascading over Niagara Falls 7. The roar of Lions in the African bush 8. Rainforest sounds / the chatter of monkeys 9. The rustling sound of leaves and branches swaying in the wind 10. The quiet and gentle sound of snow falling ENDS