Voices from the Wall: Community Stories in Sound.

About The Project

Voices from the Wall is an exciting new sound walk project that brings the history, stories, and atmosphere of Hadrian’s Wall to life through sound, storytelling, and community collaboration.

Over the coming months, Green Croft Arts will work with a historian, creative writer, sound artist, and local residents to create an immersive digital experience inspired by the landscape and heritage of Poltross Burn Milecastle, Willowford Bridge, and Harrows Scar Milecastle near Gilsland.

Using the free Echoes app, visitors will soon be able to explore these remarkable sites while listening to original stories and soundscapes that blend real field recordings with imagined voices from the past — all created with the community.

Get Involved

We’re inviting local people to take part in the creation of this project. Whether you’re interested in writing, performing, or simply exploring, there are opportunities to get involved through workshops and recording sessions running throughout winter 2025 and spring 2026.

Key Dates

Site visits and research: Saturday 15th November 10.00am - 12.30pm

Join tour guide Catherine Jarvis (Handy Histories) for a guided walk from Birdoswald to Willowford Bridge, discovering Hadrian’s Wall on our doorstep. After the walk, enjoy refreshments at Gilsland Village Hall and get creative with willow artists — designing and making your own to carry in the parade. Meet at Birdoswald Car Park. Lifts back will be provided. 

FREE to take part. Register your interest by email info@greencroftonthewall.com

Script development and writing sessions

Join the creative writing group led by writer Susannah Ronnie who offer creative starting points in developing characters and narratives inspired by the sites and your own research. Collaborate with the group to create three short dramatic scripts that will form the sound walks.

The weekly sessions will take place at The Threshing Barn.

• Thursday 8th January 1.00pm - 3.00pm

• Thursday 15th January 1.00pm - 3.00pm

• Thursday 22nd January 1.00pm - 3.00pm

• Thursday 29th January 1.00pm - 3.00pm

• Thursday 5th February 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Free to take part. Book at ticket to register your attendance.

Recording and sound design

Week beginning the 9th February & 16th February. Dates & times to be confirmed.

Your scripts will be recorded with a community cast, integrating original sounds captured on-site with sound artist Kit Haigh, to build an immersive audio journey

Sound Walk Launch

The Sound Walk will be launched on Friday 27th February 2026.

Interested? Any questions? 

Be part of a project that blends history, creativity, and technology, creating an experience that others will enjoy as they walk in the footsteps of the Romans.

Get in touch by emailing info@greencroftonthewall.com 

The Sound Walk Experience

When complete in early 2026, Voices from the Wall will be available to experience via the Echoes app, free to download on iOS and Android. Visitors will be able to walk the route, listen to the stories in the very places that inspired them, and experience Hadrian’s Wall in a new, immersive way.

Why Sound?

Sound is a powerful way to experience heritage. It allows us to imagine life as it might once have been — hearing voices, footsteps, wind, and water where history still echoes today. This project combines creativity, technology, and community storytelling to interpret Hadrian’s Wall in a way that is inclusive, sustainable, and engaging for everyone.

Funders & Partners

Echos From The Wall: Community Stories In Sound is supported by English Heritage’s Community Connections grants, with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.