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'A
Year of Trees'
Nature Journaling Through the Celtic Tree Calendar
By Lotti Brown
A gentle, seasonal course to help you slow down, notice more, and reconnect with nature
There’s something deeply calming about noticing the seasons as they unfold - the first leaves, the quiet stillness of winter branches and the return of birdsong.
But often, we move too quickly to really see it...
The 'A Year of Trees' course is an invitation to step outside and gently begin noticing again.
Start noticing the seasons and connecting with nature through treesWhat the 'A Year of Trees' course is
A Year of Trees - nature journaling course inspired by the Celtic Tree Calendar'A Year of Trees' is a guided nature journaling journey through the thirteen trees of the Celtic Tree Calendar.
Each tree represents a moment in the year - and a different way of observing, reflecting, and connecting.
Together, they create a gentle rhythm you can follow across the seasons.
This is a guided nature journaling journey...
- Not a technical course.
- Not a structured art programme.
But a gentle practice that helps you:
- notice seasonal changes
- spend time outdoors more intentionally
- build a creative habit without pressure
- reconnect with nature in a meaningful way
A Year of Trees - nature journaling with the Celtic Tree CalendarWhat you'll experience in 'A Year of Trees'
Over the course of the year, you will:
- learn how to begin (or deepen) a nature journaling practice
- briefly explore the folklore and meaning of each tree
- develop a quieter, more attentive and personal way of observing
- create your own seasonal journal - one page at a time
Over time, you may begin to notice:
- small details you would usually miss
- a deeper awareness of the seasons
- a quieter, more focused way of observing
- a sense of calm in the act of journaling
This isn’t something you need to 'achieve' - it happens naturally and gradually.
What's included in 'A Year of Trees'
A Year of Trees - Celtic Tree Calendar nature journal course - PDF format13
guided tree modules (one for each Celtic tree month)
- Gentle journaling prompts and observations
- Tree identification guidance
- Seasonal reflections and themes
- A calm, pressure-free approach
- Space for personal reflection
- Lifetime access (PDF - digital download)
The trees you’ll explore
In 'A Year of Trees' you'll explore all 13 trees of the Celtic Tree Calendar and connect with them through observation and meaning...
- Birch - beginnings
- Rowan - protection
- Ash - connection
- Alder - intuition
- Willow - flow
- Hawthorn - threshold
- Oak - strength
- Holly - resilience
- Hazel - insight
- Bramble/Vine - abundance
- Ivy - connection
- Reed/Fern - subtlety
- Elder - endings
Journaling trees - hollyWho this is for
This is for you if:
- you feel drawn to nature and trees, but don’t always know where to begin
- you like the idea of journaling, but want gentle guidance
- you enjoy folklore, meaning, seasons, and slow living
- you like space for personal reflection
- you want a creative practice that feels calm, not overwhelming
This course is different
This isn’t a structured art course - and it’s not about technique or perfection.
It’s about:
- noticing
- feeling
- personal reflection
- gently building a connection over time
There’s no expectation to create perfect pages and no need to identify everything correctly - and definitely no pressure to keep up.
Journaling trees - extract from my personal nature journalA small, meaningful practice
You don’t need:
- expensive materials
- artistic experience
- lots of time
Just:
- a notebook
- a little curiosity
- and a willingness to begin
How it works
You can follow the course in a way that suits you:
- across the year (one tree at a time, in season)
- or at your own pace
Each module is simple, self-contained, and easy to return to.
A Year of Trees - nature journaling with the Celtic Tree Calendar - a course by Lotti BrownA quiet transformation
By the end of this journey, you may find:
- your awareness of the seasons has deepened
- your journal has become something personal
- and your relationship with nature feels closer, more familiar
A Year of Trees - a nature journaling course inspired by the Celtic Tree CalendarBegin your journey through the trees...
Not ready for the full course?
Or explore my free nature journaling guides
Or discover the Celtic Tree Calendar and the folklore of all the trees here
FAQs
What materials do I need?
What materials do I need?
All you need is a notebook or sketchbook and a pen or pencil. If you have coloured pencils or paints, these would also be nice to use, but are optional.
Do I need to be able to draw?
Do I need to be able to draw?
No, drawing is not necessary. You can choose to explore the trees through drawing and/or the written word in your tree journal - or any other marks you'd like to make.
If you choose to draw in your tree journal, creative expression is encouraged. This is not a technical drawing class.
Do I need to be able to identify the trees?
Do I need to be able to identify the trees?
No, it's not essential to identify the trees with certainty although some brief identification pointers are included for each tree. If you feel like you've found a similar tree, that's enough.
Do I need to be able to visit each tree in person?
Do I need to be able to visit each tree in person?
No. While you might choose to visit the trees, this is not necessary. You might prefer to work with a photo, memory, or the feeling of a tree.
How long does the course take?
How long does the course take?
The course follows the Celtic Tree Calendar year so if you choose to follow that journey the whole course takes a year. You can choose how long you want to spend on each tree - from 20 minutes or longer as feels right for you.
It's entirely self-paced so you can dip in as and when you choose and you can choose to follow the trees in any order that feels right for you.
Do I need to start on a certain date?
Do I need to start on a certain date?
You can start the course at any time. The course itself starts with Birch at the start of the calendar year (around winter solstice) but once you download the course, you can start with whichever tree you choose.
You may choose to follow each tree during its Celtic Tree Calendar month (recommended) or just dip in to connect with the tree that feels right at your own pace.
Is this a video course?
Is this a video course?
No. This is a self-paced text-based course in PDF format. It will be available for download on payment.
Do I need to know how to nature journal before I start?
Do I need to know how to nature journal before I start?
No. This course is suitable for beginners or experienced journalers alike. Prior nature journaling experience is not necessary.
Is this the same as your Celtic Tree Calendar tree website pages?
Is this the same as your Celtic Tree Calendar tree website pages?
No. We do draw briefly on the folklore and meanings of the trees from the website pages, but this isn't a repeat of the folklore and myths from the website articles. Instead, it's a practical journaling guide to help you connect with each tree through observation, personal reflection and meaning via your personal journaling practice.
Can I just do a single tree?
Can I just do a single tree?
Yes. Each tree in my Year of Trees journaling course is also available individually.
Can I pay in my own currency?
Can I pay in my own currency?
Yes. Although the price is listed in GBP (£) you will be able to pay the equivalent in your own currency.
Is there a refund policy?
Is there a refund policy?
Because this is an instant digital download, refunds aren’t offered once the file has been accessed. Please read the description carefully before purchasing - and feel free to reach out with any questions beforehand. I want you to feel confident in your decision.
I have another question
I have another question
Please get in touch with your question - I'll be happy to help.
Begin your journey through the trees
A Year of Trees - nature journaling course inspired by the Celtic Tree CalendarStart your journey through the trees here...
Explore more Celtic Tree Calendar folklore, mythology and meaning here...
Or discover how to start nature journaling here...
Shall we stay in touch..?
Each month, I share stories from my own nature journal, new art from my studio, and simple seasonal inspiration to help you feel more connected with the turning year - if you'd like to stay updated, please sign up with your email address below...
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Lotti Brown is a self-taught nature artist and nature journaling educator whose hand-drawn work is inspired by wildlife, folklore, and close observation. With 18 years in creative fields and 10 years creating nature art, she brings deep practical experience to her work. Trained by the Wild Wonder Foundation, she shares nature journaling courses and guides online. Her artwork has been licensed internationally and exhibited at Goole Museum and Bridlington Spa in the East Riding of Yorkshire, UK.
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