Are you curious about nature journaling but worried that you ‘can’t draw’. Then this is the event for you!

Nature journaling is a nature connection experience. It starts with the noticing – together we will wander, meander, look, touch, smell and notice the nature in this pristine, private nature sanctuary. You will collect something you might like to record – in your memory, a photograph or by physically collecting a piece of nature (a leaf, feather, lichen on a twig or something that catches your attention and curiosity.)

The journaling process is about recording your observations, questions and feelings about the nature on the pages of a notebook using words, pictures and numbers following the John Muir Laws approach to nature journaling.

You will be prompted to focus your observation and enquiry with the questions;

- I notice
- I wonder
- It reminds me of

Nature journaling ‘will slow you down and make you stop, sit down, look and look again…..Engaging in this process helps you to organise your thoughts, piece together answers and ask richer questions….The benefit of journaling is not limited to what you produce on the page, it is, rather, found in your experience and how you think along the way.’ (John Muir Laws)

You are welcome to bring your own nature journaling supplies, or purchase our bespoke Nature Journaling Kit with carefully selected supplies to support your success and start you off on your relationship with nature journaling.

This workshop is facilitated by Russell Paynter, artist, musician and long term nature noticer.

The kit is contained in a beautiful handmade pouch carrier and contains;

Quality (tested by Russ) art equipment.

A4 ring bound Journal 120+ gsm
Mechanical Lead pencil 0.7mm
Staedtler mars micro leads 0.7mm
Prismacolor col erase pencil
Staedtler Eraser
Staedtler 12 Coloured pencils
Pencil sharpener
Plastic ruler
Artline 200 0.4 Fine Felt tip black pen

Where

Come and see (and smell!) the explosion of spring at The Sanctuary, Yundi, a private National Park Sanctuary. We are north of Mt Compass - less than an hour from Adelaide CBD (45 minutes from Glenelg).

This event is an opportunity to access this private, pristine and protected environment to experience an incredibly peaceful, restorative connection with nature.

The Sanctuary is 82 acres, with most of the bush protected by a Heritage Bush Agreement since 1993. The property is also a private National Park Sanctuary. We have the beginning of the Finnis River running through the property. There are rare species of plants, birds and animals. We see many fairy (blue) wrens every time we are there, as well as wedge tail eagles, vulnerable yellow tail black cockatoos, beautiful little scarlet robins and bright yellow golden whistlers. There are kangaroos, koalas and echidnas. The river is unbelievably beautiful and a rare example of a very healthy ecosystem with reeds, fallen trees, lots of fish, yabbies and dragon flies. We have a large forest of blue gums as well as enormous stringy bark trees. The Sanctuary is a sensory delight and stepping out of the car after driving from the city is a beautiful experience to inhale the clean, scented air.

Who runs this?

Nature OT is the passion of Bronwyn Paynter. I am an occupational therapist with over 30 years experience, and a passion for supporting wellbeing. I am a certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide with the Association of Forest & Nature Therapy Guides and Programs, and a permaculture designer. Nature connection started with gardening, camping (as a girl guide) and family holidays in nature. For the last few years I’ve been helping occupational therapists internationally in ways to work more closely with nature because there is so much evidence about how nature is the optimal environment for people to flourish.

This year my husband Russell is joining me in hosting the nature journaling workshop – he has been honing his craft and is gifted in supporting you to engaging in the nature journaling experiencing – knowing that it’s the experience that matters, not the production of ‘art’.

We purchased The Sanctuary, Yundi in 2018 and, as its current non-indigenous custodians, are dedicated to sharing this heritage protected nature with as many people as we can. We are continuing to learn more about the Indigenous heritage of this place as we deepen our relationship with this Country.

OPTIONAL LUNCH

You can also add-on a ticket for lunch and arrive at 1.15pm. We'll have on offer a delicious spread of 'nature food' - salad ingredients with vegetables, carbs, proteins, healthy fats and tasty condiments. You can create your own combinations so all dietary needs are easily accommodated, and you can enjoy the nature for an extended period.

BOOK FOR THE PARTNER EVENT IN THE MORNING as well – ‘AWE-some Orchid walk’ exploring and admiring native orchids (which will definitely give you something to nature journal about! You can book with a 25% discount to make a day of it. You will receive this code in your confirmation e-mail for your booking for this event.

FAQs

Where will we meet?

When you register you will receive a link to the visitor information for The Sanctuary, Yundi, with the full address and google map link. Access is very easy from the Southern Expressway, Victor Harbor Rd, and turn off before Mt Compass - with bitumen road all the way.

Is there a toilet?

There is a ‘long drop loo’ at The Sanctuary. The toilet is not accessible for side transfers. There will also be a trailer mounted porta-loo accessible via stairs (with hand rail). There are flushing (and wheelchair accessible) public toilets in nearby (5min drive) Mt Compass.

Are their age restrictions? Is this suitable for children?

This event is suited to people of all ages. The Sanctuary is largely untamed nature, with exposed water, uneven ground, slopes and branches, sticks etc. on the ground. This is an adventure of exploration! Children will be required to be under the care of a responsible adult to supervise their participation. Children bring a magical creative energy and sense of freedom, and they are very welcome.

Physical ability

This event will require the ability to walk up to 500m on sloping, uneven ground that is likely to include fallen wood, leaf and bark litter and natural obstacles. You will require a good level of mobility to feel comfortable on this walk. This is untamed nature. You are welcome to bring a hiking pole or grab a stick and we move slowly and carefully – we’re definitely not huffing and puffing.

Will I be safe?

I have a current Wilderness first aid certificate and will be carrying a first aid kit. There is mobile phone reception where we will be. Please advise any particular health concerns that may be relevant. Please feel free to contact Bronwyn to discuss any concerns on 0412404700.

Hand washing and sanitising facilities will be provided. Please do not attend if you are unwell.

What should I bring to the event?

We will go ahead regardless of the weather so dress appropriately - it is usually a few degrees cooler than in Adelaide. You will need decent shoes for this experience - boots are good if you have them. Bring a rain jacket in case of rain – we will have shelter for the flower crown making and high tea if required. Consider wearing/bringing an extra layer as well as beanie (hat), gloves and scarf if it's cold or windy and maybe even spare socks/shoes as we may get a little wet pushing through beautiful abundant plant growth. If sunny then suncream, long sleeves and a shady hat are recommended.

Also - a drink bottle of water, and any special snacks you may want. A simple afternoon tea (including fruit and cake) will be served as part of the experience. If you or anyone in your group have any dietary restrictions or allergies please contact the organiser at bronwyn@natureot.com.au to advise prior to the event.

Questions about the food?

The lunch menu will be simple, fairly healthy and nature based. We'll have on offer a delicious spread of 'nature food' - salad ingredients with vegetables, carbs, proteins, healthy fats and tasty condiments. You can create your own combinations so all dietary needs are easily accommodated.

If you or anyone in your group have any dietary restrictions or allergies please contact the organiser at bronwyn@natureot.com.au com to advise at least 7 days prior to the event and we will do our best to accommodate you. You are also very welcome to bring your own food and we can provide refrigeration if required.

What's the cancellation policy?

The event will only be cancelled in the case of extreme weather or safety hazards e.g., thunderstorms. If the event is cancelled you will be notified by 8pm the evening prior - by the e-mail you used to register and your registration fee will be refunded (less any booking fees).

We really encourage you to prioritise this wellbeing practice for your self-care and make it important for you to attend once you have booked.

NOTE - you will be required to complete a registration/disclaimer form on arrival prior to the event commencing.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

e-mail Bronwyn@natureot.com.au or phone Bronwyn on 0412404700