Why not begin your VERY own nature journal?

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My illustrated nature journal is a personal, creative response to the natural world. I share stories of the flora I find, and the wildlife I encounter. My mission is to encourage as many people as possible to join me in creating their own journal! I’m passionate about showing people the wonder of the natural world, literally, ‘on the doorstep’. Gardens, local parks and green spaces, even roadside verges. You don’t have to live in an idyllic rural setting to engage with nature; part of my journaling patch is an ex landfill site! My garden isn’t grand or landscaped, but it’s a wildlife friendly habitat full of native plants. We have a regular procession of daily visitors who keep us entertained….

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Engaging more deeply with nature through drawing and writing in your journal can be a life changing experience. Often people tell me they would love to do it, but they ‘can’t draw’. The good news is that it doesn’t matter! Improving your drawing comes over time, and keeping a journal is the ideal way to practice your skills. Looking deeply at nature helps you fine tune your observation, and that helps you develop your drawing skills. You don’t need to be a naturalist either, you will become one, learning more about the natural world than you can imagine.

Drawn Into Nature came about through wanting to connect with others like me. My love for the natural world led me to a career where I helped people to engage with nature and wildlife. In my spare time I’ve always walked and watched, drawn and painted…

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When I discovered the world of journaling, it was a natural progression to begin keeping a traditional nature journal, like my idols Edith Holden and Beatrix Potter. I had the chance to show other people the wonders of engaging fully with the world around us. I hope to widen those connections here and spread the joy that nature and art have brought me. There’s an endless supply of wonder and fascination in the natural world.

Our lives are filled with noise, busywork, and negative stress. I’m on a journey to slow down and simplify; concentrate on experiences rather than things, try to worry less, be more grateful, and kind. Sometimes I take two (or three) steps backwards, but I keep going. Through my journals, I try to be an advocate for nature, caring for the planet and the life within it. I’m fascinated by the stories we’ve created about the natural world, and I love sharing these little tales from history, folklore and fable.

I love to hear from kindred spirits, so if you have any questions, or want to chat, please…

Sign up for NOTES FROM NATURE - my e-letter about nature on my patch, prompts, and ideas for your own journals - sent every few months.