UKCEH science is at the heart of an exciting collaboration that merges cutting-edge musical technology with ecological research, using art to highlight biodiversity.
MOTH X HUMAN is an immersive audio-visual composition by classically trained violinist Ellie Wilson. Produced by Oxford Contemporary Music, this unique project brings together musicians, electronics, and sounds derived from moth activity data collected by UKCEH’s automated insect monitoring (AMI) system.
At its core, MOTH X HUMAN reflects a shared and growing anxiety about the future—personally, socially, and ecologically. The work celebrates the wonder of nature, drawing attention to the vital yet often overlooked nocturnal world, which plays an essential role in our ecosystems.
UKCEH’s collaboration adds a distinctive scientific dimension to the project. MOTH X HUMAN will be presented in Bradford (6–8 June) and London (4–6 July) as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, London’s Southbank Centre, and PRS Foundation’s New Music Biennial.
At the Southbank Centre event, UKCEH biodiversity scientist Dr Jenna Lawson will join Ellie Wilson in conversation alongside the presentation of the sound artwork.
The project offers a space for reflection—an opportunity to sit, listen, and immerse yourself in a world of sound, welcoming audiences of all ages. It will also be staged at Parsonage Down Nature Reserve, a Natural England site and Special Area of Conservation, highlighting the significance of natural habitats and the consequences of their destruction.
Ellie Wilson said: “MOTH X HUMAN will help audiences of all ages understand the impact of habitat loss, climate change, light pollution, and garden management on nocturnal pollinators. In collaboration with ecologists and data scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, my piece explores the positive use of AI in conservation. Part data sonification and part notated composition, it creates an interspecies dialogue.”
Dr Jenna Lawson, a biodiversity scientist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), added: "At a time of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change, it is essential that we understand and appreciate the value of nature and the consequences of habitat loss and destruction. The data we collect as scientists highlights both the remarkable diversity of nature and consequences of its loss, however, the challenge often lies in presenting this information in an interesting and informative way.
“This project will showcase the wonder of nature through music, specifically focusing on moths and the natural world that comes awake while we sleep. These fascinating creatures are essential for our ecosystems, pollinating many flowers, trees and crops during the night, but are underappreciated. We hope Ellie's interpretation of our scientific data through a musical composition will show people the remarkable night-time biodiversity of the UK.”
The project will also be documented by students from the Northern School of Art, led by Matthew Burton. Their involvement will bring fresh creative perspectives to the documentation while engaging a wider team of media students in the environmental themes explored in the work.