Nature is all around us, offering beauty, inspiration, and moments of wonder, no matter where we live. One of the best ways to connect with the world outside is through nature journalling. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just someone looking to observe nature more closely, a nature journal provides a creative and mindful space to document your observations, thoughts, and reflections.
If you’ve ever thought about starting your own nature journal but weren’t sure where to begin, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. Here are 5 simple tips to help you start your own nature journal today.
1. Choose the Right Journal for You
The first step in your nature journalling journey is selecting the right journal. There’s no one-size-fits-all, so choose something that suits your personal style and needs.
- Sketchbook or Notebook: Decide whether you prefer a notebook for writing or a sketchbook for drawing (or both!). Some people love to mix writing with illustrations, while others prefer one format over the other.
- Size and Portability: Think about where you’ll be journalling. If you plan to journal while out on hikes, a smaller, more portable journal might work best. Larger journals are great for at-home sessions, allowing you to add more details to your drawings and writing.
- Paper Quality: If you plan to use watercolours or ink, look for a journal with thicker paper that can handle various mediums without bleeding through.
The best journal is one that feels comfortable to use and inspires you to write or draw freely, so don’t overthink it! Just pick something that feels good to you.
2. Start with Simple Observations
The beauty of nature journalling is that you don’t need to be an artist or a poet to start! The key is to start small and focus on simple observations. You can note:
- The weather (sunny, cloudy, windy, etc.)
- The time of day and season
- What you see, hear, and smell around you (the rustle of leaves, the song of birds, the scent of pine)
- Small details like a colourful leaf, the texture of a tree bark, or the movement of an insect
You don’t need to write pages of content or make elaborate sketches. A single paragraph or a few lines can capture the essence of a moment. The goal is to stay present and observe the world around you.
3. Use All of Your Senses
Don’t limit yourself to just what you see! Nature journalling is about immersing yourself in the experience, so be sure to engage all your senses as you explore:
- Sound: What sounds do you hear around you? Birds chirping, leaves rustling, or perhaps the sound of a distant waterfall?
- Smell: Are there any fragrances in the air? Fresh flowers, damp earth, or the scent of the ocean?
- Touch: How does the texture of the ground, leaves, or tree bark feel under your fingertips? Is the air warm or cool on your skin?
By including sensory details, your journal entries will become more vibrant and give you a richer, more immersive connection to nature. Plus, it’s a great way to slow down and really absorb the environment.
4. Sketch What You See
Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, you don’t need to create masterpieces to enjoy the benefits of sketching in your nature journal. Simple drawings or even doodles can help deepen your connection to what you observe.
- Draw a leaf with its veins, a flower petal, or the branches of a tree.
- Try sketching the patterns in the sky or the texture of rocks and bark.
- Don’t worry about making it perfect. The point is to observe closely and bring those observations to life in your journal.
If you’re hesitant about your drawing skills, start with simple line sketches or try adding colour with coloured pencils, markers, or watercolour. Sometimes even a few quick sketches can bring the experience alive in ways words alone can’t capture.
5. Reflect on What You Learn
Nature journalling is as much about personal growth as it is about observing the environment. Each entry is an opportunity to reflect on what you notice and how it resonates with you. After recording what you see, hear, and feel, try adding a bit of personal reflection:
- How does the weather or landscape make you feel?
- Do certain aspects of nature remind you of past experiences or bring up new insights?
- What can you learn from observing this moment in time?
These reflections don’t have to be long, but they will help you deepen your connection to both nature and yourself. Over time, you may find that nature journalling not only enhances your awareness of the world around you but also helps you gain clarity and peace within.
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Bonus Tip: Make It a Daily or Weekly Practice
Like any new habit, nature journalling gets better with consistency. Try to set aside time each day or week to step outside and write or sketch in your journal. Even just five to ten minutes can make a big difference. Whether you go for a walk in your neighborhood, sit in a park, or explore a nearby trail, regularly journalling will help you build a stronger connection to nature—and deepen your practice over time.
Starting a nature journal is one of the simplest ways to reconnect with the world around you. By choosing the right journal, observing the details, engaging all your senses, sketching, and reflecting, you’ll create a rich and personal record of your experiences in nature. Most importantly, nature journalling offers a chance to slow down and immerse yourself in the beauty of the world, one moment at a time.
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