This paper discusses a series of sound installations that combine plant electrophysiology with 3D sonic art. A brief introduction to plant electrophysiology is given. The sonification of electrophysiological signals in the mycorrhizal network is discussed, explaining how art and science are combined in this project in a way that differs from the simple sonification of data. Novel 3D audio spatialization techniques, the 3D audio mapping of natural environments and immersion are also discussed, along with technical details of how to read the electrical signals in plants known as action potentials . Other topics addressed include acoustic signaling in the forest, spectral composition and interaction with forest flora and fauna.

The authors outline and reflect upon a new research agenda on participatory mass observation and citizen science as an introduction to the 3 project outlines in this special section of Transactions.

Climate Bubbles was a playful, participatory mass observation project on local climate. Bubble blowing games were devised to enable people across the city of Manchester to test air flow circulation and, by sharing the results online, enabled the Met Office to create a snapshot of the effect the Urban Heat Island has on wind.

Biotagging used audio-visual equipment to engage a range of individuals in ‘tagging’ plants and animals with specific and local meaning to them. This was an experiment in subverting conventional approaches to biodiversity monitoring with the aim of expanding ideas of both biodiversity and citizen science.

100 Years of Climate Change is an artwork inspired by the insight that we might experience 100 years of climate change by taking a short walk of 100 metres. Investigation of the local impacts of the Urban Heat Island effect culminated in a night-time audio walk to open up awareness of the urban climate.