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Episode details

Radio 3 Unwind,23 Sep 2026,180 mins

Nature Week: Inspiring melodies from Pulborough Brooks

Classical Unwind

Available for 27 days

Calming classical music to help you focus and set you up for the day ahead. Presented by broadcaster, author and counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams from the RSPB nature reserve Pulborough Brooks in West Sussex, where Sian tunes into the relationship between birdsong, wellbeing and the brain. Research suggests the positive effects associated with hearing birds can last for hours, and Sian spends all morning among the birds at Pulborough Brooks. Featuring peaceful and enchanting pieces from composers including Vivaldi, Moeran, and Cecilia McDowall, and a chance to Find Your Focus in the music of Ola Gjeilo. Sian spends time in a bird hide and finds joy in sitting still with nature for a time, and Professor Catherine Loveday explores how seasonal changes in birdsong reflect changes within birds’ brains, offering fascinating insights into the ability of adult human brains to change and rewire.

Programme Website
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Tracklist

  1. Track
    Artist
  2. 1.
    5 Songs, Op 104 (In Autumn)
    5 Songs, Op 104 (In Autumn)
    Johannes Brahms
  3. 2.
    Symphony No 8 (3rd mvt)
    Symphony No 8 (3rd mvt)
    Antonín Dvořák
  4. 3.
    Diary of the Bee (2nd mvt, 'Thistle')
    Diary of the Bee (2nd mvt, 'Thistle')
    Helen Leach