Create a nature journal

This activity aims to spark interest and connection with nature through using observation and creative skills.

Download this activity

Create a nature journal (PDF, 2,945K)

What you need

• Cardboard (eg,a used cereal box) cut into a size slightly bigger than A4 – this is for the outside sleeve.
• Selection of A4 paper (try out different colours) making up the pages.
• Elastic band, string or ribbon to hold it together.
• Envelope (A5 or smaller) and glue stick/stapler – glue or staple on an inside sleeve and use as a pocket for pencils and anything you wish to collect.
• Pens, coloured pencils.

What to do

1. Make your journal

1. Fold the cardboard and A4 pages in half along the long edge.
2. Arrange the pages so the cardboard is the outside of the journal.
3. Secure the fold with a rubber band or string.
4. Staple or glue the envelope onto the inside of the cardboard cover. This creates a handy pocket for pencils and anything you want to
   collect.
5. Decorate your nature journal. Don’t forget to put your name
   on it too. 

Work together to put the journals together and decorate them.

2. Explore your nature

Explore your outdoor environment. As you explore, collect natural objects to keep in your journal, such as fallen leaves, seeds, flowers, bark, twigs. If you have a camera, take photos of plants, animals or aspects that interest you.

Record your observations in the journal in any way you want. It could be writing, drawings, leaf rubbings and so on.