What is Nature Journaling?

A gentle introduction to what nature journaling is, how it works, and how you can begin...

If you're wondering what nature journaling is and how it works, you're not alone...

Nature journaling is a simple and enjoyable way to spend quiet time with yourself while reconnecting with the natural world around you.

It invites you to:

• slow down
• notice small details
• record what you observe in nature...

Whether that’s the birds in your garden, the clouds above you, or even a leaf you find on a walk.

Many people discover that nature journaling brings moments of calm, curiosity, and creativity into everyday life.

At its heart, nature journaling for beginners is simply about noticing - and recording what you notice in your own way.

Nature journal page with drawings of a sycamore seed 'helicopter'

Before I started nature journaling, I wasn’t sure what it was, what I was supposed to do, or how it worked...

Luckily, once I understood what nature journaling really is, I realised how simple it could be and how easy it is to begin....

So if you’re wondering 'what is nature journaling?' and 'will this be something I might enjoy?', let me guide you through it...

What is nature journaling?

Nature journaling is the practice of recording your observations of nature in a notebook - through drawing, writing, and reflection.

In many ways, it’s similar to keeping a personal journal...

But instead of focusing on your whole life, a nature journal focuses on your relationship with the natural world.

Not nature in the abstract - but nature as you notice and experience it in your everyday life.

Nature journaling about a tawny owl feather I found

Nature in Everyday Life

This might sound quite simple - but really, it just means paying attention to the natural things that catch your eye or spark your curiosity.

Nature journaling might include noticing:

• clouds drifting across the sky
• a plant growing on your windowsill
• birds visiting your garden
• wildflowers along a path
• insects, leaves, seeds, or feathers
• even the fruit and vegetables in your kitchen

One of the lovely things about nature journaling is that it can be done almost anywhere. Nature journaling helps us slow down enough to really see what is already around us.

Drawing in a Nature Journal

Nature journaling isn’t just writing - it often includes drawing too.

The creative side was one of the things that first attracted me to nature journaling because I’ve always loved drawing from nature.

Detail from hellebore drawings in my nature journal - drawing is not compulsory!

Drawing something you’ve observed for yourself helps you slow down and notice details you might otherwise miss. That process of looking closely and translating what you see onto paper can create a wonderful feeling of connection with the natural world.

But it’s important to say this clearly:

Nature journaling is not about making beautiful drawings.

In fact, worrying about making perfect pictures can actually get in the way.

Simple sketches, diagrams, and notes are absolutely perfect for a nature journal.

You can also include:

• quick observational sketches
• written notes
• photographs
• diagrams and labels
• pressed leaves or specimens (when appropriate)

Your journal is simply a place to record what you notice.

Simple drawings of barley in my nature journal

More Than Just a Sketchbook

A nature journal is different from a sketchbook...

A sketchbook might focus mainly on drawing or painting.

A nature journal includes your thoughts, observations, questions, and reflections alongside your drawings.

It’s the combination of drawing, writing, and noticing that makes nature journaling so meaningful.

Putting yourself into your journal is part of the process.

And remember - there is no right or wrong way to keep a nature journal.

Writing and drawing about seeing two magpies in my mum's old apple tree

Recording Your Nature Observations

Many people like to include small details about their observations, such as:

• date and time
• weather
• location
• temperature
• counts or measurements

These small pieces of information can help create a fuller picture of what you observed.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the names of the plants, birds, or insects you see. You can leave them unknown, or look them up later if you’re curious.

Sometimes nature journaling raises interesting questions too - and those questions can be just as valuable as the answers.

Nature Journaling and Citizen Science

Nature journals can even contribute to scientific knowledge and is often very important to the scientific community.

Scientists often rely on observations from large numbers of people - sometimes called citizen science - to understand how wildlife and natural systems change over time.

If you choose, you can record your observations on apps such as iNaturalist, or contribute to wildlife counts and seasonal surveys to help with this.

But this is completely optional. Most of us simply nature journal because it feels good to do so.

How Often Should You Nature Journal?

A journal usually implies regular entries - but that doesn’t mean you need to write every day.

Some people enjoy journaling daily. Others journal once a week or whenever inspiration strikes. The important thing is simply to return to it often enough that it becomes a gentle habit.

Personally, I journal most days - but if I miss a few days, I don’t worry about it. I simply pick up my journal again the next time I notice something interesting.

Weekly nature observations from my garden in my nature journal

Why Nature Journaling Feels So Good

Spending time noticing nature can have wonderful benefits for our well-being.

Being outdoors (or even just observing nature from a window) can help:

• lower stress
• improve mood
• encourage mindfulness
• increase curiosity and creativity

The act of observing and recording what we see helps bring us into the present moment.

Instead of rushing through life, we pause and notice. And in those moments, we often rediscover a sense of wonder and connection with the natural world.

Even a simple seedpod can end up as an interesting subject to nature journal about!

You don’t need artistic skills or special knowledge - just curiosity and a willingness to notice the small wonders around you...

FAQs: What is nature journaling?

Would You Like to Start Nature Journaling?

Now that you know what nature journaling is, I hope you might feel inspired to give it a try yourself.

If you'd like a simple way to begin, I’ve created a free step-by-step guide to starting your first nature journal, including ideas for what to draw, write about, and how to begin.

In the free guide you'll discover:

• how to start your first nature journal
• what to draw or write about
• simple materials you can use
• easy ideas to help you begin noticing nature

You can download the guide on this page...

You can also explore my weekly nature journaling ideas and prompts here and browse through my real-life nature journal examples, all in my nature journal hub page, here...

A Gentle Way to Begin...

A Gentle Introduction to Nature Journaling

If you’re feeling drawn to nature journaling, but aren’t quite sure how to begin, I’ve created a simple guide to help you take those first steps.

It’s not a course or a challenge - just a calm, practical way to move from thinking about it to actually starting.

Explore A Gentle Introduction to Nature Journaling

A quiet place to begin, at your own pace.

If you'd like a little more guidance and to go a little deeper, I also created my Imperfect Nature Journaling course - a gentle series of 20 exercises designed to help you build confidence, explore nature, and develop your own journaling style.

You can learn more about the course here - explore the Imperfect Nature Journaling course

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.