The ‘Call of the Forest’ video illustrates a way to conduct a campaign that is Covid-safe. Wherever people are campaigning to protect native forests the video ‘Call of the Forest’ could be used as inspiration – it was made in support of Warburton Environment’s campaign to protect the native forests in the Central Highlands of Victoria.
The video premiered at the Tall Trees Festival held online (instead of actually at Warburton – due to Covid) on Saturday 21 August 2021. Now it is a gift for you to send out into the world.
The creators pointed out that the video brings together science, conservation and the arts and features a committed community of environmental activists, artists and musicians.
In particular at the 4.30 minute mark is an original song “Are You Listening” by Laura Brearley – read more about the origins of the song here.
The video points out that large old trees provide free carbon capture and storage and are crucial in mitigating climate change.
Mountain Ash Forest Warburton – image from Wikimedia Commons
As you will hear in the video, the words were adapted for the campaign to protect native forests from further logging.
Here are the original lyrics written by Laura Brearley for a campaign against expanding the sand-mining industry in Bass Coast.
Are You Listening?
1 Something’s crying in the woodlands
Are you listening?
Something’s dying in the woodlands
Are you listening?
Are you listening?
CHORUS
We say no more mining sand where the remnant forests grow
We say no more mining sand where the woodland waters flow
Are you listening?
Are you listening?
2 Something’s stirring in the forest
Are you listening?
People rising for the forest
Are you listening?
Are you listening?
REPEAT CHORUS
OUTRO Are you listening?
Are you listening?
Watch the ‘Call of the Forest’ video on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4enKOFMIUVg
Mary Stringer October 2021