People all over the world during all times and ages have kept journals and diaries documenting their world. Journals can be as far-reaching as the notes of Lewis and Clark as they explored an unknown country, or as simple as recording the everyday experiences of people like you or me.
Keeping a nature journal connects us not only to the natural world we live in, it keeps the past alive and heightens our awareness of the future.
My personal inspiration was found in a used bookstore where I discovered the beautiful books of Edith Holden, written in the early 1900s. The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady and The Nature Notes of an Edwardian Lady are the field notes of Holden’s life in the village of Olton, Warkwickshire, England. She wrote simply of her meanderings in the meadows and woods around her home, the seasons, weather, the flora and fauna, drawing on a vast knowledge of the natural world naming and painting all she saw. On March 20th, 1906 Holden wrote: “Found two thrush’s nests; one nest was empty, the bird was sitting on the other. She looked at me with such brave, bright eyes, I could not disturb her, much as I would have liked a peep at her speckled blue eggs.” Reading through her journals I become a time-traveler walking by her side, experiencing nature through her evocative words and exquisite paintings.
Nature journaling has opened my eyes to both the tiny details of the natural world and the sweeping landscape and sky. When I find an unknown treasure? I look it up! I love searching my vintage reference books (Little Golden Guides are the best) to ID a specimen. Everything has a name, both common and Latin, and a classification. I add to my store of knowledge by writing and drawing in my journal.
The beauty around us all is waiting to be immortalized. Delicate lichens and moss on a tree, amazing mushrooms sprouting overnight, catching a glimpse of an elusive Kingfisher, water rushing in a stream, the hammering of a woodpecker, bees buzzing on wildflowers.
A journal may be simple or elaborate. My preference is a good multi-media sketchbook, pencils, ink and watercolors. Recording my findings noting the habitat, weather and date, anchors me to the present, provides a window to the past, and gives me great hope for the future of our planet. I hope you enjoy the samples of my work. Thanks for walking by my side!
Follow Sue on instagram to see more of her beautiful work: @suefield66.