WHAT IS
NATURE JOURNALING?
Find out about the enchanting world of nature journaling!
AN INTRODUCTION
Nature journaling is a creative practice that combines observation, art, and writing to deepen your connection with nature and yourself. It’s a personal way of documenting your experiences in nature, capturing what you see, feel, and wonder about in a tangible format. Through sketches, written notes, poetry, or even scientific diagrams, a nature journal becomes a collection of your unique reflections and discoveries about the environment.
WHY KEEP A NATURE JOURNAL?
There are many reasons why people keep a nature journal - everyone is coming at it from a different angle depending on individual interests and needs, whether it's to learn more about nature, to spend more time outdoors, to reduce stress levels, to try something new, or to develop art skills. Let's dive into some of the reasons and benefits of keeping a nature journal:
1
DEVELOP YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF NATURE
Nature journaling ignites curiosity, inspiring you to ask questions about what you observe. Why does this plant grow here? What type of insect is this? Seeking answers to these questions can lead to ongoing learning and exploration.
2
EXPRESS YOURSELF CREATIVELY IN A JUDGEMENT-FREE
ENVIRONMENT
You don’t have to be good at art for art to be good for you! This practice allows you to express yourself creatively through drawing, sketching, painting, poetry, or creative writing in a judgement-free way, where the act of creating is more important than the outcome.
3
NURTURE YOUR OWN CONNECTION WITH NATURE
Nature is good for us! This practice encourages you to become more mindful, to connect with nature, to develop a deeper awareness of yourself and others, and most importantly to cultivate a deeper understanding of the relationship you have with the natural world.
4
PRACTISE MINDFULNESS & BEING IN THE PRESENT
Nature journaling encourages mindfulness as it requires you to fully immerse yourself in the present moment. Focusing on the intricate details of a leaf or the behaviour of a nearby bird can calm your mind, reduce stress, and promote a sense of peace.
5
BUILD COMMUNITY & CONNECTIONS
Nature journaling encourages mindfulness as it requires you to fully immerse yourself in the present moment. Focusing on the intricate details of a leaf or the behaviour of a nearby bird can calm your mind, reduce stress, and promote a sense of peace.
WHY NATURE JOURNALING IS IMPORTANT IN TODAY'S CONTEXT
In an increasingly digital and consumerist world, we believe that nature journaling offers a vital way of reconnecting with what’s around us, something that we might often struggle to do in our busy lives. It provides an antidote to screen fatigue and a means to rediscover our inherent relationship with the earth, with ourselves, and with those around us.
Nature journaling is also a powerful educational tool, helping individuals and families understand ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity. For children, it can nurture curiosity and a sense of wonder. For adults, it offers a space for reflection, creativity, and mindfulness, and a way to reconnect with our inner-child curiosity.
Finally, as climate change and environmental challenges become more pressing, nature journaling can inspire action. By observing and documenting the changes in our local landscapes, journalers often develop a stronger commitment to sustainability and conservation.
HOW NATURE JOURNALING WORKS
Nature journaling is a flexible practice that adapts to your preferences and interests.
Here’s 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.
To dive deeper, explore our companion guide, “How to Start a Nature Journal”, which offers more practical tips and step-by-step guidance for beginners.
NATURE JOURNALING STYLES
Nature journaling styles vary widely, and your journal should reflect your personal interests and creativity. Here are some approaches to consider:
ARTISTIC JOURNALING
You might emphasise the visual beauty of your observations with watercolors, shading, and creative layouts.
SCIENTIFIC JOURNALING
You might focus on accuracy and detail, with labelled sketches, diagrams and data like measurements or species names.
REFLECTIVE JOURNALING
You might write poetry, quotes, or personal thoughts about your experiences in nature.
A MIXTURE OF ALL 3
The beauty of nature journaling is its flexibility. You might want to include a mixture of different elements within your journal. See what feels right for you!
HOW TO EXPLORE NATURE JOURNALING FURTHER
Nature journaling is more than a creative hobby—it’s a way to build a deeper connection with the natural world, foster mindfulness, and ignite your curiosity. Whether you’re sketching in a quiet forest or jotting little notes to yourself in your back garden, each journal entry brings you closer to understanding and appreciating nature’s wonders.
Ready to start your own nature journal? Read our Beginner's Guide to begin your journey today!