Nature Journaling
Nature journaling is a way to record and document your relationship to nature in words, numbers and pictures.
I've been keeping a 'nature journal' since 2017. 2024 is my 8th year. It all began as part of the #100dayproject. Nature journaling for me is a way of drawing everyday, and connecting to nature on my daily walks and runs. Keeping a nature journal has helped me connect closer to the passing seasons, learn more about the biodiversity in my area, and to encourage others to try the same connection.
One of my first 'nature journal' pages as part of the #100dayproject. Day 7-12. I had begun to draw what I saw on 'my patch'.
One of my first 'nature journal' pages as part of the #100dayproject. Day 13-18. I had begun to draw what I saw on 'my patch'.
One of my first 'nature journal' pages as part of the #100dayproject. Day 97-100. I had learnt so much by this point, about observing, drawing and painting, and learnt that this was called 'nature journaling'.
One of my first 'nature journal' pages as part of the #100dayproject. Day 7-12. I had begun to draw what I saw on 'my patch'.
When I started I didn't know that what I was doing had a name, 'nature journaling'. I’d been spending more time outdoors over the years, hiking, running, cycling. Finding that being outside in nature as much as possible was good for mine and my family's well being.
I 'd also begun to rekindle my love of art.
Sketching on one of our monthly walks.
Sketching on one of our monthly walks.
I began making maps of our monthly walks.
Sketching on one of our monthly walks.
Turning to sketching what I was seeing and noticing while outdoors. I’d been taking more notice of small changes, but hadn’t thought of documenting them. A light bulb moment occurred when I realised I could connect my art and time outdoors. I began using my painting as a way of connecting, documenting and learning about ‘my patch’ (a place I had begun to feel resentful of).
To appreciate what was on my doorstep, and to find beauty and wonder in all the months and seasons of the year.
Finding the more I noticed and saw, the more I learnt. A deeper connection was being forged. Not following a layout, plan or set of rules. I intuitively documented those things that made me smile, stopped me in my tracks, things I hadn’t seen before or I could find something new to learn.
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I began in 2017 by using an 'outdoor journal' a sketchbook I dedicated to using outside. taking it with me everywhere and drawing as much as possible. Some of my 'outdoor journals' and sketchbooks were featured in 'Illustration' magazine in 2018 (images below).
A favourite page layout using a map and the species I saw.
Using to drawing to learn the names of new birds and plants.
In 2018 some of my 'outdoor journals' and 'nature journals' and a description of how I used them was featured in Illustration magazine.
A favourite page layout using a map and the species I saw.
Once at home I would transfer some of those drawings and observations to sheets of watercolour paper, to learn more and improve my drawing and identifying skills. This is a system I still use today. Keeping an 'outdoor journal' and now what I call my 'studio journal' using a concertina style format. This is the way I also teach my students how to nature journal. Keeping a book for outside where you can add all your raw details, scribbles, notes and observations, then using those pages as inspiration to create a beautiful 'studio journal' where you can choose what interests you.
Pages from both my 'outdoor journal' and my 'studio journal' for March 2023.
Sketches made outside in my 'outdoor journal'.
Nature journaling pages in my 'outdoor journal', sometimes I only have time to use pencil.
Pages from both my 'outdoor journal' and my 'studio journal' for March 2023.
Connecting with the small details also slowed down time. Being connected to nature in every
season of the year has made me appreciate and anticipate every coming month over the year (including the Winter months).
In February 2019 we had a heatwave, and this year we had a series of storms causing wind damage and flooding.
And yet the snowdrops bloomed on almost the exact same day each year. As our world and homes become more turbulent, being grounded with a deep connection to your place can bring great solace.
A nature journal can become a historical record of the chaos of our times, but also a place of joy and solace in the moment. In the act of recording we are making these things matter, and showing that we care. I imagine all those nature journals, notebooks and sketchbooks around the world being filled, with the details of this particular place in time, the seasons still changing, the birds still migrating. It can be used to compare the rhythms and cycles of nature over several years
7 years of nature journaling May. Nature journals pages of May.
7 years of nature journaling May. Nature journals pages of May.
7 years of nature journaling May. Nature journals pages of May.
7 years of nature journaling May. Nature journals pages of May.
What better way to try and be present. To watch the wonder of nature still unfolding. What began as a simple act of being mindful for me, has become a way of life, and will be part of my history of how I got through these times . Rooted in ‘my patch’, anticipating the snowdrops arrival.
I taught myself to draw, paint and learnt so much in these years of keeping a 'nature journal'. I now teach others how they can keep their own 'nature journals' and teach them how to connect with nature on their patch.
If you 'd like to learn to 'nature journal' with me and learn how to use my method of keeping an 'outdoor' and 'indoor' journal you can join my Patreon Nature Journaling Community, or you can find stand alone tutorials in the 'Learn' section of the website.