Nature Journaling at the Mountains

You are welcome to bring your own art materials – An A5 art journal, Artline pen, lead pencil and rubber and a set of coloured pencils/watercolour pencils. OR choose to purchase the Beginners Starter Pack ($12) with your ticket.

What's included

• A5 art journal
• Artline pen
• A set of basic watercolour pencils
• Lead pencil
• Paint brush
• Rubber
• Pencil case

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. We will be walking throughout the Garden during each class, please be mindful of the hilly nature of the site and uneven surfaces. Be prepared for the weather, bring a hat, warm jacket and rain coat.

Optional: A hiking portable stool, or a pillow, or a blanket or similar for comfort sitting down to journal. A Keep cup to take a hot drink with you. 

These classes are beginner friendly. No prior experience with drawing or journaling is required.

You are encouraged to attend the first session ‘Introduction to Nature Journaling’ and then as many of the others in a series as you want. Continuing your Nature Journaling journey to build your confidence, skills an create an even deeper connection to the natural world around you.

Nature journaling, the practice of documenting observations and reflections on the natural world, offers a multitude of benefits:

1. Connection with Nature: By spending time observing and documenting nature, individuals develop a deeper connection with the natural world. This fosters a sense of appreciation, wonder, and respect for the environment.
2. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Engaging in nature journaling encourages mindfulness as it requires focused attention on the present moment. This can reduce stress, anxiety, and promote overall well-being.
3. Enhanced Observation Skills: Nature journaling involves keen observation of details such as the shape of leaves, behaviour of animals, or changes in the weather. Over time, this sharpens observational skills which can be applied to other areas of life.
4. Learning and Education: Nature journaling is a hands-on approach to learning about biology, ecology, botany, and other natural sciences. It encourages curiosity and inquiry, making learning more engaging and memorable.
5. Creativity and Self-Expression: Journaling allows individuals to express themselves creatively through writing, drawing, painting, or other artistic mediums. It provides a space for self-expression and experimentation.
6. Documentation and Record-Keeping: Nature journals serve as personal records of experiences, observations, and discoveries in nature. They can be valuable resources for future reference, research, or sharing with others.
7. Environmental Awareness and Conservation: Through nature journaling, individuals develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and ecosystems. This can lead to increased awareness and advocacy for conservation efforts.
8. Physical Health Benefits: Spending time outdoors for nature journaling often involves physical activity such as walking, hiking, or exploring. This promotes physical fitness and overall health.
9. Community and Social Connection: Nature journaling can be a shared activity, fostering connections with fellow nature enthusiasts, local communities, family members or work colleagues. This sense of belonging and camaraderie adds to the enjoyment of the practice.
10. Emotional and Spiritual Growth: Immersion in nature through journaling can evoke feelings of awe, gratitude, and interconnectedness. This can lead to personal growth, reflection, and a deeper sense of purpose or spirituality.

Session 1: Introduction to Nature Journaling 

Theme: Captivating Colours in Nature (Spring in the Botanic Garden) 

Explore Nature’s Palette! We will explore the colours found in the simplest of objects – e.g. fallen leaves, a single flower, birds/insects. What emotions to different colours evoke? How do colours change throughout the day/seasons etc.

Session 2:

Theme: Nature in the Spotlight

We will each choose a particular plant, animal or natural feature and create a feature page all about it, using detail sketches and observations.

Session 3: 

Theme: Ripples and Reflections

From cascading waterfalls to still reflective surfaces, we will follow and record the water’s movements through the Garden. 

Season 4: 

Theme: Nature’s Symphony

Tuning in to our sense of sound, we will explore the Garden through sound maps and listen to what the natural world has to say.

Session 5:

Theme: The Blue Mountains Rainforest

From lush moss carpets and tangled vines, explore the remnant cool temperate rainforest of the Blue Mountains. Learn about the different plants and Nature Journal the tiny creatures hiding in the leaf litter to the towering canopy trees.