Listen to the Plants is a short documentary funded by the Arts Council England and Comic Relief, in collaboration with the National Geographic Society.

The film follows a group of primary school children from inner-city Nottingham as they step beyond the urban landscape and into the ancient woodland of Sherwood Forest. Immersed in nature, the children are encouraged to slow down, observe, and truly listen, not just to the forest, but to the subtle rhythms of the natural world often overlooked.

Working alongside artists, they capture the sounds of the forest — rustling leaves, birdsong, the movement of wind through trees, transforming these organic textures into something entirely new. Back in their creative space, the children reinterpret what they’ve heard, turning sound into expressive artworks that reflect their personal connection to nature.

At its heart, Listen to the Plants is a story about access, creativity, and the power of listening. It explores how engaging with the natural environment can inspire imagination, foster wellbeing, and give young voices new ways to be heard.