Nature Journaling for Beginners UK how to start and maintain a nature journal habit!

Hedgerow and moor guide on how to start a nature journal

Introduction

Nature journalling is one of the simplest ways to reconnect with the seasons.

It doesn’t require artistic skill, expensive materials, or long stretches of time. It begins with something much smaller — noticing what is already there.

April is one of the best months to start. The landscape is changing quickly now. New plants are appearing each week, birds are more active, and there is a clear sense of movement in the season.

A nature journal allows you to record that change as it happens.

What is a Nature Journal?

A nature journal is a personal record of what you observe outdoors.

It can include:

  • written notes

  • sketches

  • pressed plants

  • dates and locations

  • weather observations

  • colours, sounds, and scents

There is no fixed format. Some entries may be detailed, others just a few lines.

The purpose is not to produce something perfect, but to build awareness over time.

Why Start a Nature Journal in Spring?

Spring offers constant change. In early April alone, you might notice:

  • blossom appearing on hedgerows

  • the return of migratory birds such as swallows

  • increased bee activity on warmer days

  • fresh growth of plants like nettles and wild garlic

Because things change so quickly, even a few days between entries can reveal something new.

This makes spring an ideal starting point.

 

 

 

How to Start (Simple Approach)

You do not need to overcomplicate this.

Begin with:

  • a notebook (A5 works well)

  • a pen or pencil

  • optional: coloured pencils or watercolour

Then:

  1. Go outside — garden, hedgerow, park, or moor

  2. Spend 5–10 minutes looking around

  3. Write down what you notice

What to Record in Your Journal

If you’re unsure what to include, start with these:

1. What You Can See

  • Plants in flower or leaf

  • Birds and their behaviour

  • Insects on the move

  • Changes in the landscape.

2. What You Can Hear

  • Birdsong (which species if you know it)

  • Wind through trees

  • Distant sounds like livestock or water

3. What You Can Smell

  • Blossom in hedgerows

  • Damp earth after rain

  • Seasonal markers (for example, laurel blossom in spring)

4. The Weather

  • Temperature (warm, cold, mild)

  • Wind direction

  • Rain or dry conditions

5. The Date

Over time, this becomes one of the most valuable parts of your journal.

You begin to see patterns:

  • when certain plants appear

  • when birds return

  • how seasons differ year to year

The Art of Noticing

At its core, nature journalling is about learning to notice.

Noticing:

  • what has changed since last week

  • what is appearing for the first time

  • what remains consistent

This doesn’t need to be complicated.

It might be:

  • the first dandelion opening

  • bees returning to a particular spot

  • a scent in the air that signals the season

The more you do it, the easier it becomes.

Using Your Journal for Seasonal Living

A nature journal becomes more than a record — it becomes a guide.

You can use it to:

  • track foraging opportunities (e.g. nettles, dandelions, wild garlic)

  • understand local wildlife patterns

  • time planting or harvesting

  • build a deeper connection to your surroundings

Over time, it becomes specific to your landscape.

Tools to Help You Identify What You See

If you’d like a bit of support:

  • Merlin Bird ID – helps identify birds by sound

  • PictureThis – useful for identifying plants

  • Field guides or natural history books

These are helpful, but not essential.

It’s perfectly fine to record something as:

“small yellow flower along the hedge”

Clarity comes with time.

Adding Sketches (Even If You’re Not Confident Drawing)

Sketching helps you look more closely.

It doesn’t need to be detailed.

Try:

  • outlining the shape of a leaf

  • noting how petals are arranged

  • drawing the structure of a plant

Even simple sketches improve observation.

Building a Habit

The most important thing is consistency. You don’t need to journal every day.

Start with:

  • once or twice a week

  • or short entries when you notice something interesting

Keep it manageable.

Seasonal Prompt (April)

If you’re starting this month, try this:

  • Note three things that were not present last week

  • Record one scent in the air

  • Observe one insect or bird and its behaviour

Keep it brief.

A Final Note

Nature journalling is not about producing something to show others.

It is a way of paying attention.

April offers a good place to begin. The countryside is active, the hedgerows are filling out, and each week brings something new.

All you need to do is notice it — and write it down.

Further Reading

If you’d like to go deeper:

  • Read the blog on spring foraging (nettles, dandelions, and more)

  • Explore the Hedgerow & Moor Almanac, which follows the seasons month by month