HOW TO START A
NATURE JOURNAL
Our beginner’s guide to nature journaling
PART 1: BACKGROUND
WHAT IS NATURE JOURNALING?
Nature journaling is the practice of observing nature and recording what you see, hear, feel, and experience within a journal. This can include sketches, written descriptions, reflections, questions, or a combination of these elements. Nature journaling is both personal and flexible - it can be as simple or as detailed as you like. At its heart, nature journaling is about slowing down, tuning in to your surroundings, and connecting more deeply with nature. Whether you’re in a forest, a local park, or even your back garden, the practice of nature journaling invites you to notice the details and capture them in your own unique way.​
HISTORY & RELEVANCE TODAY
Nature journaling has a long and inspiring history. For centuries, naturalists, artists, explorers and scientists, such as Charles Darwin, Leonardo da Vinci, and John Muir have kept journals to document the natural world. These journals were both scientific tools and creative expressions, capturing everything from detailed sketches of plants and animals to personal thoughts and reflections about what they experienced.
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Today, nature journaling remains a relevant and meaningful practice but is much more accesible. In a time when we’re often rushing or distracted, nature journaling offers a way to pause and reconnect with the world around us. It encourages mindfulness, creativity, and curiosity, providing a way to learn about nature through direct observation. Today, people take up nature journaling as a way to relax, learn, and foster a deeper appreciation for the environment. It’s a reminder that nature, in all its beauty and diversity, is something we can connect with no matter where we are.
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Nature journaling is for everyone. Remember, you don't have to be good at art for art to be good for you!
THE BENEFITS
Nature journaling offers a wide range of benefits, both for us personally and for the planet. Here are just a few:
1
MINDFULNESS & STRESS RELIEF
The practice of observing and documenting nature encourages us to slow down and focus on the present. This mindful practice can reduce stress, calm the mind, and bring moments of peace and joy.
2
EXPRESSING OURSELVES CREATIVELY
Nature journaling gives us a space to explore our creativity without judgement. You can draw, write, or simply jot down thoughts. There’s no need for perfection - it’s all about expressing what you see and feel.
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By observing plants, animals, weather, and landscapes, we naturally start to learn more about them. Nature journaling sparks curiosity and taps into our inner-child, leading us to ask questions and look closer at the world around us.
LEARNING & BEING CURIOUS
4
CONNECTION TO NATURE
Spending time observing and recording nature helps deepen our connection to it. As we become more aware of the beauty and details in our environment, we’re more likely to care about protecting it.
PART 2: GETTING STARTED
MATERIALS & TOOLS NEEDED
Before heading out to begin your nature journaling adventure, here is a Wild Creatives’ Kit List of the basic materials you’ll need to get started. This isn’t an extensive list, and you might like to include further tools as your journaling practice develops.
A PLAIN NOTEBOOK
A PENCIL
A JOURNAL BAG
Choose a durable and portable journal with thick, acid-free paper
to withstand different art mediums. Think about a size that fits comfortably in your bag for
on-the-go sketching and
note-taking.
A single pencil will be enough! However, you may want to include a range of pencils for different drawing techniques, such as precision, detailing, and shading. Consider mechanical, graphite (AH-6B) and traditional pencils for this.
It can be useful to have a handy shoulder bag or a soft case to hold all your sketching supplies that fits neatly into your backpack. Something waterproof would be beneficial so that your notebook doesn’t get wet if it rains.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Eraser; pens; coloured pencils; watercolour set; hand lens for close-up observations; clipboard to keep your journal open and flat; small bags for collecting specimens.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION
The great thing about nature journaling is that you don't have to be in the wilderness to enjoy this practice! Nature is everywhere, even in places you might not expect. Learning to find nature everywhere helps build a habit of observation, reminding you that nature is always close by, even in the busiest places. Here are a few ideas to help find the right nature journaling spot:
PARKS & GREEN SPACES
Local parks, gardens, and even grassy areas near pavements can be great areas to explore and observe. Sit quietly on a bench or on the grass, notice the shapes of leaves, listen to birds, or observe the textures of tree bark.
YOUR BACK GARDEN
If you have access to a garden or your own back garden, it’s the perfect spot for regular journaling. You can observe the changing colours of flowers, insects visiting plants, or the way shadows shift during the day.
COASTLINES AND BEACHES
If you live near a beach, or visit one whilst on holiday, this habitat is great for sketching shells, waves, and sand patterns. Coastlines are full of textures and changing views to inspire your journaling.
LOCAL WOODLAND OR FOREST
Local woodlands and forests offer a wonderful opportunity to get to know woodland habitats. Here, you can focus on details like tree bark, leaves, and the sounds of birds. Visit woodlandtrust.org.uk to find your nearest woodland.
URBAN SPACES
In cities, nature might appear in smaller forms - wildflowers pushing up through pavements, birds nesting on buildings, or the cycle of leaves on city trees. Urban areas are full of surprising nature, a location not to be overlooked!
WINDOW AND INDOOR SPACE
If the weather is bad or you aren't able to access the outdoors, try observing what you see and hear from your windowsill. Potted houseplants and herbs can also offer something interesting to notice and draw.
HOW TO APPROACH YOUR JOURNAL
Nature journaling is a flexible practice that adapts to your preferences and interests.
Here’s some tips and tricks for how you might approach it:
1. OBSERVATION
Spend time in a natural setting, whether it’s a park, your garden, or a local woodland. Look closely at the details around you—shapes, colors, textures, sounds, and smells.
2. RECORDING
Use sketches, diagrams, or written descriptions to document your observations. You don’t need to be an artist; even simple drawings or quick notes capture the essence of what you see.
3. REFLECTION
Add your thoughts, questions, or feelings about what you’ve observed. This could include curious wonderings like, “Why does this flower only bloom in the morning?” or personal reflections on how the experience makes you feel.
4. EXPLORATION
Now let your curiosity guide you to dive deeper! Research the names of plants, identify bird calls, or delve into ecological patterns you’ve noticed. It's all about tapping into your inner-child curiosity and asking questions.
DAILY PRACTICES & ROUTINES TO
GET YOU STARTED
Nature journaling doesn’t have to be a big time commitment. Consistency can help, but this practice should feel easy and enjoyable. Let yourself journal at a pace that feels right for you.
Here are a few simple practices you can try to build your journaling habit:
1. FIVE MINUTE SKETCH
Pick something small, like a leaf or a flower, and spend five minutes sketching it. This quick exercise can be a fun way to start.
2. ONE OBSERVATION A DAY
Write down one thing you notice in nature each day. It could be the colour of the sky, the sound of the wind, or a new bird you’ve spotted.
3. WEEKLY OR MONTHLY CHECK-IN
You don’t have to journal daily. Set a rhythm that works for you—whether it’s weekly, monthly, or simply whenever you’re inspired.
PART 3: FURTHER RESOURCES
FURTHER RESOURCES & SUPPORT
There are some great resources out there for you to continue learning and exploring the art of nature journaling. Start by taking a look at the work of renowned naturalists John Muir Laws and Clare Walker Leslie.
BOOKS
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The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling by John Muir Laws
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Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You by Clare Walker Leslie
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Nature Journaling for a Wild Life: Discover, Create, and Connect by Clare Walker Leslie
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The Green Sketching Handbook by Ali Foxon
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The Nature Remedy: A restorative guide to the natural world by Faith Douglas
APPS & WEBSITES
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Wylder app (A wellbeing app to connect to nature with daily prompts)
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Merlin app (to help identify birds as you see or hear them)
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iNaturalist app (record your nature observations and contribute to biodiversity science)
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Field Studies Council (tree identification courses, skills and resources)
FIND A NATURAL LOCATION TO EXPLORE
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The Woodland Trust: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk
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Forestry England: www.forestryengland.uk
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Forestry & Land Scotland: www.forestryandland.gov.scot
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The Wildlife Trusts: www.wildlifetrust.org
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UK National Parks: www.nationalparks.uk
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National Trust: www.nationaltrust.org
THE JOY OF JOURNALING
Nature journaling is a joyful, peaceful practice. Every entry, big or small, is a step towards deepening your connection with the world around you. Some days, you might fill pages with drawings and reflections; other days, a quick note or simple sketch will be enough. Trust that there’s value in all of it. Celebrate each small discovery, and enjoy every moment you spend observing nature.
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Happy journaling!
