Hey there!
If you’re interested in nature journaling, then you’re in the right place!
In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know. From how to get started, what supplies you’ll need, and some of my favorite journaling techniques.
So, I hope you’ll find this post helpful, whether you’re a nature lover looking for a new way to connect with the world or someone filled with curiosity about this unique form of journaling.
What is nature journaling?
It’s the practice of recording observations about the natural world in a dedicated notebook. It can be as simple as jotting down a list of birds seen on a hike or documenting the changing leaves of a tree throughout the seasons.
We can learn more about the plants and animals that share our planet by paying close attention to the environment.
It’s a form of nature study that can provide many benefits.
Why should you start?
Nature journaling is an excellent way to interest kids in science and nature observation.
It can also be therapeutic, providing a chance to slow down and appreciate the beauty of our environment.
What are the benefits of nature journaling?
A more profound sense of connection with nature.
Keeping a nature journal is about slowing down and observing the natural world around you. It’s a great way to appreciate life’s small things and find a sense of peace and calm.
It can help you learn about the plants and animals in your area.
By keeping track of the flora and fauna, you see daily. Over time, you will learn more about the species in your area and their habits.
It’s a great way to boost your creativity.
It’s all about using your imagination and connecting with your creative side. Drawing and painting in your journal can be a great way to relax and unwind.
You’ll learn more about the world around you.
You might be surprised at how much you can learn just by taking the time to look and observe!
It facilitates a healthy and active lifestyle.
Nature journaling isn’t just about sitting still – it’s also about getting outside and exploring. Walking and hiking are great for your physical and mental health.
It’s a great way to bond with other people.
There are lots of great online communities for nature journalers of all ages. It’s a great way to connect with like-minded people and find inspiring ideas for your journaling.
It can help you appreciate the small things in life.
When you take the time to notice the small details, you will begin to appreciate the beauty in the world around you.
It can help you relax and de-stress.
Spending time in nature can be very calming and relaxing. This practice is a great way to unwind after a long day.
How to start a nature journal?
There’s no right or wrong way to start. Just grab a notebook and start writing down your observations!
However, you can do a few things to make the most of your journaling experience:
Find a comfortable spot.
This could be a spot in your backyard, a nearby park, or even in your home. Wherever you choose, make sure you’re comfortable so you can focus on your journaling.
Set a regular time.
Whether once a week or once a day, setting aside some time for journaling will help you make it a habit.
Experiment with different journaling techniques.
There are many ways to journal, so find a method that works best for you. You could try drawing, painting, or just writing down your thoughts.
Be creative! You just have to focus on your personal observations, so don’t be afraid to think out of the box with your entries.
What are the most popular techniques?
Writing.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to journal about nature is simply to write about your experiences and observations.
This can be done in a traditional journal, notebook, or even on loose-leaf paper.
Be sure to date your entries and include as many details as possible, such as the weather, time of day, and what you did when you made your observations.
Painting.
If you’re creative, why not try painting your reflections?
Watercolor paints are perfect for this, and you can add sketches, illustrations, or other drawings to your paintings to make them even more unique.
Photography.
If painting isn’t your thing, or if you want to capture a particular moment in time, photography is another great option.
Ensure to write down any observations or thoughts about the photo, and date it so you can remember when it was taken.
Scrapbooking.
Scrapbooking is a great way to preserve memories and is also perfect for this practice.
Simply collect leaves, flowers, seeds, or any other nature items, and include them in your scrapbook.
Focus on writing down any thoughts or observations about the items, and date them so you can remember when you found them.
Nature walks.
One of the best ways to connect with nature is to get out there and experience it firsthand.
Go for a walk in your local park, take a hike in the woods, and pay attention to your surroundings.
Note the different sounds you hear, the smells in the air, the texture of the ground beneath your feet, and the way the light filters through the trees. And, of course, don’t forget to take plenty of pictures!
These are just a few ways you can benefit from the practice. So get out there and start exploring!
What are some common mistakes?
One of the most common mistakes people make when nature journaling is not taking the time to really look at their subject.
It’s essential to take a few minutes to observe what you’re looking at, whether it’s a flower, tree, or bird. What color is it? What shape? Which details can you see?
Another mistake is failing to record the date and location. This may not seem important at the time, but later on, knowing when and where you saw certain things can be helpful. Try including this in your writing prompt.
Finally, some people get too caught up in making their journal entries perfect. It’s ok if your drawings aren’t masterpieces – this is more about recording your impressions and observations in your journal rather than creating art.
Where to find inspiration?
If you’re feeling stuck and uninspired, never fear! There are plenty of ways to jump-start your creativity. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
One great way to find inspiration is by observing the world around you with fresh eyes. Take a walk outside and notice the natural world’s details. Maybe you’ll see how the light dances through the leaves of a tree or the patterns in a bird’s feathers.
Once you start seeing the beauty in the every day, you’ll have no trouble coming up with ideas for your journal entries.
Another source of inspiration can be found in books and magazines on the subject. Seeing how other people approach and document their observations can give you some great ideas for your work.
We would recommend taking inspiration from the author and thinker John Muir.
How to share your journey?
1. If you’re a beginner, sharing your work with others can be daunting. But there are many ways to share your journaling journey, whether through social media, a blog, or even just showing friends and family your latest pages.
2. One of the best things about your nature journal is that it’s a personal journey; there’s no right or wrong way to do it. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works for you. And don’t worry if your pages aren’t perfect. They’re meant to reflect your unique experience of the natural world.
3. Sharing your work can be a great way to connect with others who love the outdoors as much as you do. Inspiring others to start their own practice is also great.
Essential supplies you must have.
All you need to get started is a notebook and a pencil.
However, a few other supplies can make the exercise even more enjoyable.
Here, I’m sharing the basic supplies you must have.
A good notebook.
The first thing you’ll need is a good notebook. You want something sturdy enough to withstand being carried around in your backpack and that has enough pages to last you a while.
I like to use sketchbooks because they have thicker pages that are perfect for journaling.
A pencil case.
A pencil case is essential for keeping all of your journaling supplies together in one place.
I like to use a small, travel-sized pencil case so I can easily throw it in my backpack when I’m on the go.
A variety of pencils.
You’ll need a variety of pencils to journal with.
I like to have a few different types of pencils on hand, including a fine-point pencil for sketching and a thicker pencil for writing.
I also like to have a couple of colored pencils to add a pop of color to my nature drawings.
A pen.
A pen is also a good idea to have on hand for journaling.
I like to use a black pen for writing and a colored pen for drawing.
A ruler.
A ruler helps draw straight lines and take measurements. I like to have a ruler that’s easy to carry so I can pull it out whenever I need it.
A magnifying glass.
A magnifying glass is a must-have.
It’s excellent for looking closely at bugs, leaves, and flowers.
A field guide.
A field guide is a helpful reference tool to help you identify the flora and fauna you see in their natural habitats.
A camera.
A camera is a great way to document your adventures. I like to use a small, portable camera to carry it easily.
With these supplies, you’re ready to start nature journaling!
Final thoughts.
It’s a fun and easy way to learn more about the world around us.
By paying close attention to the details of the plants and animals we see, we can learn a great deal about their behavior and habits.
Journaling is also a great way to document our own experiences in nature and share these experiences with others.
So grab a notebook and head outside – you never know what you might learn!