Time with a Tree: Nature Journaling at Westonbirt Arboretum

Westonbirt Arboretum

Dates: 26/07/2026

Venue: Westonbirt National Arboretum

Join a small, welcoming group for a calm and creative nature journaling session outdoors among the trees at Westonbirt Arboretum. Whether you’re new to drawing or already keep a journal, this workshop offers simple guidance, mindful observation and time to connect with nature.

Nature journaling is a gentle, creative practice of observing and recording the natural world. Through slowing down to notice more, draw and write, we deepen our connection to nature, ourselves and others. don’t need to be “good” at drawing to enjoy nature journaling — curiosity and noticing are much more important than artistic skill. Through simple, enjoyable step-by-step exercises, we’ll explore drawing as a way of paying attention — drawing to see more clearly.

During this workshop you will:
Practice simple observation and drawing skills
Create a personal record of the seasons by exploring both the bigger picture and the small details of the natural world
Develop creativity and mindful attention

This outdoor session will focus on spending time with one or two carefully chosen trees in the arboretum, using the journal page to capture and deepen our experiences as we observe closely — moving between the big picture and small details of light, colour, pattern and texture.
This shorter format offers a gentle introduction to nature journaling, or a relaxed way to keep up a regular creative practice.
These small-group workshops (maximum 10 participants) allow space for quiet observation, personal guidance and shared learning.
We will meet outside the Welcome Building before walking together to a nearby location (approx 15-20 minutes) in the old arboretum where we will spend most of the session journaling outdoors.
Spending time with a single tree allows us to notice both its overall presence in the landscape and the intricate details we might usually pass by.
There will be gentle prompts and optional exercises to support observation and drawing, along with plenty of time to work quietly in your own way.
There will be a natural pause during the session for toilets and refreshments.
The structure of the session will remain flexible and responsive to the group and the place. There may be opportunities to gather together towards the end of the session to share reflections.
Most importantly, you’ll leave feeling nourished by a few hours of slow connection with nature, with pages in your journal to look back on — perhaps the beginning of a nature journaling practice you can return to again and again.

Each session focuses on different trees and seasonal moments in the arboretum.
Morning and afternoon sessions on the same day will visit different trees, so you are very welcome to book both if you would like a longer day of nature journaling.

We will meet outside the Welcome Building at Westonbirt Arboretum before walking together to our journaling location.
Please allow plenty of time to park and enter the arboretum gates (there may sometimes be queues at busy times).
Please arrive a few minutes early so we can begin the session together. I will be waiting near the entrance area of the Welcome Building and will be holding a Nature Journaling sign.
We will be walking short distances on woodland paths and will spend most of the session outdoors. If the weather is very wet, windy, or hot, we may gather for part of the session in the covered area outside the Learning Centre.
We intend to go ahead whatever the weather and adapt creatively with nature where needed. However, if dangerous conditions are forecast, we will review the situation 24 hours before the workshop and contact participants to offer either a refund or transfer to a new date.

Please feel free to contact me in advance if you would like to discuss access needs, mobility or hidden disabilities.

What’s included:
All basic art materials are provided (watercolour pencils, water brushes, paper, pencils and pens).
You’re very welcome to bring your own lightweight art materials or a favourite journal if you prefer.
Admission to the Arboretum

What to bring:
Suitable outdoor clothing for the weather (layers, waterproofs, hats or gloves if needed).
Comfortable walking shoes.
Something to sit on if you wish (a lightweight camping stool or chair that you are happy to carry, sit mat or blanket can be helpful).
Drinks or refreshments if you would like them during the session.

 

More details about Time with a Tree: Nature Journaling at Westonbirt Arboretum (External Link)

 

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