Nature Journaling Workshop
- 16th May 2026
- 10am - 4pm
- £75 per person
- 12 places available
Slow down and reconnect with nature in this small-group Nature Journaling workshop led by Heligan team members. Based at The SeedPod and exploring the gardens, the day focuses on observation, presence, and creative recording rather than artistic skill.
Through gentle guidance, outdoor exploration, and reflective classroom time, you’ll discover what a nature journal can be and create your own journal page to take home and inspire future creativity. Designed for beginners, this calming and inclusive workshop offers space to notice more, reflect deeply, and connect with nature in a meaningful way.
Workshop Details:
Join Lauren Waycott, Heligan’s in-house illustrator, and Esther de Klerk, Nature Futures facilitator, for a thoughtful and restorative day exploring the practice of nature journaling, set within the inspiring surroundings of the Heligan gardens. The workshop will be based at The SeedPod, our nature-connected learning and wellbeing space.
This gentle, immersive day will focus on slowing down, noticing, and recording the natural world around you. You’ll be introduced to what a nature journal is and the many ways it can be used, exploring different purposes, styles, and approaches. Emphasis will be placed on observation, stillness, and presence, rather than artistic skill or finished artworks.
Time will be spent both in the gardens and in the classroom. Outdoors, you’ll explore the gardens at an unhurried pace, gathering observations, thoughts, and inspiration. Back in The SeedPod, you’ll be guided in creating a journal page, using simple creative techniques to record what you’ve noticed and experienced.
This is not a painting workshop and no previous experience or artistic prowess is required. Nature journaling is about curiosity, creativity, and connection, not being “good at art.”
Lauren and Esther will offer gentle guidance and encouragement throughout the day, creating a welcoming space for beginners and the creatively curious alike.
You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of nature journaling, a journal page of your own, and a set of journaling prompts and ideas to inspire and support a continued practice at home.
Essential Information:
- Tea/ coffee and cake provided.
- Lunch can be purchased in our Steward’s House Cafe or bring a packed lunch
- All materials will be provided but please feel free to bring along any of your favourite paints, pens, journals, pencils etc.
- Wear comfortable and weather appropriate clothing and footwear to explore the gardens and perhaps be a little messy in!
- Notebook or journal to take notes, although we will provide paper.
About Lauren
Lauren grew up in the Wye Valley in South Wales, where her interest in the natural world began. She completed a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design at Hereford College of Arts, followed by a BA (Hons) in Illustration from Falmouth University.
For the past three years, she has worked within the design team at Heligan, creating illustrations inspired by the gardens, the animals, and the people who care for them. She primarily works in watercolour and acrylics, and her work has been shown in several climate crisis exhibitions at the Courtyard Arts and Canwood Gallery – an issue she feels strongly about.
Since graduating in 2022, Lauren has continued to develop her illustration skills while gaining a broad knowledge of Heligan’s plants, stories and hidden corners. She brings this experience to the workshop, guiding participants to create their own winter watercolour painting inspired by the gardens.
About Esther
Esther is part of the Heligan’s Nature Futures team, where she curates the programme of immersive nature-based workshops and retreats focused on connection, creativity, and wellbeing.
With academic backgrounds in Psychology, Occupational Psychology, and Plant Science, Esther brings a thoughtful, interdisciplinary perspective to her work, blending an understanding of human experience with a deep interest in the natural world. Her practice is grounded in a personal relationship with nature, shaped by observation, reflection, and time spent outdoors.
She has completed training in Facilitation in Nature and has supported the delivery of nature-based leadership programmes. Inspired by Cornish landscapes, Esther is particularly drawn to creative, reflective practices such as nature journaling, and is passionate about helping others reconnect with creativity as a gentle and accessible way of engaging with nature.
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