Nature journaling has quietly become one of the most grounding and rewarding habits in my life. It’s more than just drawing what you see. It's about slowing down, noticing details you'd usually overlook, and building a deeper connection with the natural world. Whether I’m sitting in my backyard or hiking a remote trail, my sketchbook always comes along for the ride. Nature journaling helps me remember not just what I saw, but how I felt in the moment.
I’ve had friends tell me they’re curious about starting but feel intimidated, like they need to be great at drawing or know all the plant names. You don’t. Trust me, it’s not about perfection. It’s about presence.
Key Points
- Keep it simple. Your first steps into nature journaling basics can be just words, quick sketches, or lists.
- The best way to learn is by doing. See what works for you, experiment, and find inspiration from sketching techniques and drawing themes that resonate with your approach.
- Don’t get caught up in fancy tools. Start with minimal drawing supplies and let your needs grow naturally.
Nature Journaling Basics: How I Got Started
I started by scribbling quick notes and tiny sketches of things I noticed on my travels—interesting fruits, unusual leaves, lizards, the way light hit a rock. I didn’t even call it nature journaling at first. It was just me paying attention and wanting to remember.
Later, I discovered that this simple practice had a name and that there were entire communities doing it, from nature-focused gatherings to in-person sketching sessions in the wild.
There’s no one right way to begin. Some people start with a list of observations, others with drawings, some with poetry or quotes. If you’re not sure where to start, explore elements of art that naturally draw your attention or find ways to incorporate animals you encounter.
Choosing the Right Nature Journaling Supplies
Honestly, you don’t need much to begin. I started with a cheap sketchbook and a ballpoint pen.
Over time, I added a few colored pencils and a small watercolor set for watercolor nature journaling. Now I keep a little nature journaling bag packed so I can grab it on my way out the door.
Here’s what I usually carry:
- Sketchbook (something that lies flat and holds up to a little moisture)
- Pen or pencil
- Travel watercolor set
- Water brush pen
- Small ruler or mini field guide
Keep it light and flexible. What matters most is that you bring your journal with you.
Finding Your Flow With Nature Journaling Prompts
When I feel stuck or uninspired, I turn to nature journaling drawing prompts. These little nudges have honestly saved me more times than I can count. They shift my attention back to curiosity, which is what this practice is really about.
One of my go-to prompts is: “Draw the shape of a leaf without looking at your paper.” It sounds odd, but try it. It forces you to really observe the shape, the edges, the curves, without worrying about getting it “right.” It helps me stop overthinking and just focus on what I’m seeing in front of me.
Sometimes I’ll write instead of draw. I might describe the texture of bark using only verbs, or write down everything I hear for two minutes without pausing. These kinds of prompts help me see in layers, not just what’s visible, but what’s sensory and emotional too.
If you’re teaching others, especially kids or beginners, prompts are pure gold. They add structure without making things feel rigid. They help people find their footing without feeling judged or overwhelmed. There are so many great resources out there on how to teach nature journaling and keep it engaging. It’s worth exploring different nature journaling prompts to find the ones that resonate most with you or your group.
Why Nature Journaling for Adults Matters So Much
Most people think journaling is something for kids or science classes. But nature journaling for adults is honestly one of the most powerful mindfulness tools I’ve found. It helps me switch gears when I’ve been overthinking or feeling scattered. I often sit down with my sketchbook after a busy day, even if it’s just for ten minutes, and it resets something in my brain. The act of noticing, whether it's the way a leaf curls or how the wind moves grass, is meditative in a way that doesn’t feel forced or scripted. It’s not about escaping life, but reconnecting with it.
What I love most is that it gives me a creative outlet that’s not tied to performance or productivity. I’m not trying to impress anyone with these pages. It’s just for me. Sometimes my journal entries are messy, half-finished, or weirdly abstract, but they still hold value because they reflect how I was experiencing the moment.
Sometimes I’ll just go on creative nature journaling excursions with no goal except to follow curiosity wherever it takes me. I’ll let my surroundings guide me. Maybe I’ll start drawing a bird and end up writing a paragraph about a tree root that caught my eye. I’ve found that this practice helps me process emotions, spark ideas, and feel grounded in my own skin again. It’s a form of self-care that doesn’t require anything fancy, just attention and presence.
Nature Journaling Activities That Help You Stay Consistent
When I want to keep things fresh, I turn to simple nature journaling activities:
- Focus on one subject: birds, rocks, clouds, or nature journaling plants
- Compare changes in a place over time, weekly or monthly
- Write down nature journaling quotes that resonate with what you’re experiencing
- Make a map of your walk with small sketches and notes
- Try drawing with your non-dominant hand for fun
These activities keep things loose and interesting, especially if you’re building a daily or weekly journaling habit.
Exploring Nature Journaling Adventure Opportunities
One of the most exciting parts of this practice is that it naturally pairs with travel and exploration. I’ve found that whenever I bring my sketchbook somewhere new, it helps me see that place more clearly.
A nature journaling adventure could be as simple as documenting your backyard garden, noticing how it changes across seasons, or as big as planning an entire trip focused on nature journaling in Australia.
Even short day trips to a local park or forest can feel like a full sensory experience when you approach it with a journal in hand. Taking notes, sketching a landscape, or recording the birdsong you heard that morning helps cement the memory and makes each outing more meaningful.
Over time, these entries create a rich personal archive of places visited, discoveries made, and quiet moments that might’ve otherwise been forgotten.
For more ideas on drawing and sketching, explore practical tips and creative approaches from my experiences in art and creative projects in the art business.
What is nature journaling?
Nature journaling is the practice of recording observations, thoughts, and experiences in the natural world through words, sketches, diagrams, and more. It can be scientific, artistic, or emotional. It often overlaps with what is nature journaling in educational or ecological contexts, but it’s just as valuable as a personal and creative habit.
How do you start a nature journal?
Start small. Take a walk, bring a sketchbook, and note what you notice—sounds, colors, textures, shapes. Look at some nature journaling basics or nature journaling prompts to get ideas. You don’t need to be good at drawing or writing. Just observe and record.
What does a nature journal look like?
It varies. Some people keep detailed botanical drawings, others scribble lists and notes. Some journals are full of color and watercolor nature journaling, others are simple and monochrome. Looking through nature journaling examples can show you how flexible and personal they are.
How to make a naturalist journal?
A naturalist journal leans a bit more scientific. It might include dates, species names, locations, and behavioral notes. You can blend this with your creative work or keep it separate. A field guide to nature journaling often bridges the gap between the two styles.
What are the prompts for nature journaling?
Prompts can be simple or complex. “What do I hear right now?” “Draw five textures you see.” “Write one sentence about the light today.” You can find entire lists of nature journaling prompts to help you stay inspired.
What are the three types of journaling?
Generally, journaling can be broken into reflective journaling (emotional/personal), observational journaling (like nature journaling), and creative journaling (stories, poems, etc.). Many nature journals blend all three.
