Nature journaling is simply drawing and writing in response to nature. This fun workshop will include a reflection on place; beginner lessons in drawing and writing; an exploration of the nature journaling prompts; an introduction to nature journaling materials; and time for free nature journaling.

Everyone is welcome – from complete beginners to experienced artists.

Nature journaling helps you to observe nature more closely, and is also a great way to slow down and relax. I teach ‘feel-good’ nature journaling using the KNACK approach, which emphasises nature connection and mindfulness. The aim is to develop ways to experience nature in a rich, relaxing and rewarding way by increasing mindfulness, observation skills, knowledge & understanding of nature, and freedom of self-expression.

This workshop is aimed at adults (16 years and over), but interested kids 10 years and over are welcome, if accompanied by an adult. Participants will be required to walk 1-2 km over uneven and sloping ground.

Maximum class size: 25

What to bring:

- A blank unlined notebook, sketchbook or journal

- A Grey lead pencil or mechanical pencil (preferably 2B)

- Ink pen with waterproof ink (e.g. Pigma Micron fineliner size 03 or similar)

- Colour materials (e.g. coloured pencils or watercolour pencils or small palette of watercolour paints) are optional, but fun.

- This is an outdoor workshop, so dress to be outdoors (e.g. hat, closed shoes) and bring a water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a folding chair or a mat to sit on. Note that the temperature at Binna Burra can be 6-10 degrees colder than the Gold Coast or Brisbane, so bring extra layers of clothing for warmth.

This workshop will be cancelled if lots of rain or other inclement weather is forecast. Participants will receive a full refund if the event is cancelled.

We will meet at the Welcome Building, Binna Burra, which is the first building on your left after the Visitor Information Centre. If you've reached the Binna Burra Teahouse you've gone too far :)

Bio of your host: Dr Paula Peeters is an ecologist, artist and writer based in Beechmont, Qld, who combines these skills to teach the practice of nature journaling, and regularly collaborates with a range of organisations to bring nature journaling workshops and lessons to a diverse audience. Paula has been teaching nature journaling since 2016, and has written 3 books on nature journaling: Make a Date with Nature – An Introduction to Nature journaling (2016); Take this Book for a Walk: A step-by-step guide to nature journaling (2020) and A walk in the mountain forests: My nature journal of Binna Burra, Beechmont and beyond (2023). She is also the illustrator of five colouring books about threatened species and ecosystems. Paula’s website and blog www.paperbarkwriter.com (established in 2015) is archived annually by the State Library of Queensland.

Please contact Paula by email if you have any queries: paula.peeters@paperbarkwriter.com

Contact the host of Introduction to Nature Journaling workshop