Nature journaling is simply drawing and writing in response to nature. In this fun workshop we will go for a short (1-2 km) meander through the rainforest, and describe the ‘story of a walk’ by drawing and writing in our journals. Everyone is welcome – from complete beginners to experienced artists. We will explore a range of drawing and writing approaches while also learning about the plants, animals and fungi of Binna Burra, situated in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Nature journaling in helps you to observe nature more closely, and is also a great way to slow down and relax. At the end of the session you will have started your own ‘Story of a walk’ , in words and pictures, that can be later added to / further coloured-in at your leisure. The techniques learnt in this session can be applied to your future nature journaling or travel journaling adventures.

This workshop is aimed at adults (16 years and over), but interested kids 10 years and over are welcome, if accompanied by an adult.

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.

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