Nature is bursting into life with signs of Spring everywhere - if you stop and take the time to notice.
Creating a nature diary or 'nature journaling' is a great way for all the family to keep mind and body calm. It helps you slow down, relax and become absorbed in the wonders of the natural world. This can be done in your garden or even just looking out the window.
All you need is a notebook, a pen and some drawing materials. Here are a few tips to get you started from our Education Officer, Rachel:
- Begin by describing the weather – the light, cloud cover, the feel of the temperature or breeze on your skin. Go into as much detail as you can
- Then look around to see what is happening generally – are trees coming into blossom, what flowers are about, are the birds active? What can you hear?
- Focus in on one plant or tree, or something that has caught your attention. Draw it in as much detail as possible – you don’t need to be good at drawing, it’s about the looking. The more you draw the more you will notice
- Write down any thoughts or questions that go through your mind as you draw.
Try and do this at least once a week and let us know how you get on! For more activities to do at home, check out our guide to wildlife gardening.