Nature Journaling: How to Start with a Notebook
By RSPCA Shop | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to start nature journaling with a simple A5 notebook. Capture wildlife, plants, and seasonal changes with practical tips and inspiration from Secrets of a Devon Wood.
Quick answer
To start nature journaling, grab an A5 lined notebook, a simple pen, and head outside. Observe one thing—a leaf, a bird, or a cloud—and write or sketch what you notice. There is no wrong way to begin.
Why a simple notebook works best
A plain lined notebook like the Nature Trail A5 Notebook gives you structure without pressure. Its 60 pages are enough for several weeks of entries, and the compact size slips into a bag or pocket. You don't need a special journal or expensive art supplies—just paper and a writing tool.
What to include in your first entries
Start with the date, weather, and location. Then describe one living thing you see: its color, shape, movement, or sound. If you prefer drawing, a quick sketch is fine—stick figures or simple outlines count. Over time, you'll notice details you missed before.
Using a nature book for inspiration
If you feel stuck, flip through a book like Secrets of a Devon Wood. Artist Jo Brown's diary shows how one person captured the bog beacon mushroom, buff-tailed bumblebee, and native bluebell with both words and drawings. It proves that a nature journal can be personal, messy, and beautiful all at once.
5 steps to start nature journaling
- Choose your notebook: Pick any notebook you like—lined, blank, or dotted. The Nature Trail A5 Notebook is a good option because its lines guide your writing and its cover resists wear. Avoid a heavy sketchbook that you might leave at home. A smaller notebook is more likely to go with you every day.
- Gather one writing tool: A regular ballpoint or gel pen works fine. No pencils or markers needed. The simpler your kit, the less you'll hesitate to start. One pen is enough. You can add colored pencils later if you want.
- Find a spot and observe for 5 minutes: Sit in a garden, park, or by a window. Pick one thing—a leaf, a bird, or a cloud. Watch it without writing. Notice its shape, movement, color, and any sounds. If you don't know what to write, describe only what you see. Facts can come later.
- Write or sketch one observation: Date your entry and note the weather. Then write a sentence or two about what you observed. If you draw, keep it rough—stick figures and outlines count. The goal is to capture the moment, not create art. Done is better than perfect. Even a single sentence is a success.
- Repeat weekly and review after a month: Try to journal once a week. After four weeks, flip back through your entries. You'll see patterns—what plants appear, which birds visit, how light changes. This habit builds your awareness of the natural world. Consistency matters more than length. A short weekly note builds a rich record over time.
Products that support nature journaling
- Nature Trail A5 Notebook: This A5 notebook is lined and features a Nature Trail design with animal illustrations. It has 60 lined pages and measures 14.5 x 21 cm. The lined pages help keep your notes tidy, while the lightweight size makes it easy to carry on walks.
Nature Trail A5 Notebook - Secrets of a Devon Wood: My Nature Journal: Jo Brown's nature diary captures the woodland behind her Devon home, celebrating creatures like the bog beacon mushroom and buff-tailed bumblebee. Reading her descriptions and sketches can spark ideas for what to record in your own journal and how to combine words with drawings.
Secrets of a Devon Wood: My Nature Journal
