About us
Welcome to the group!
I’m so glad you’ve found your way here.
🌿Slow down and notice more.
🌿Grow creativity and mindfulness.
🌿Create a personal record of the seasons.
🌿Practice simple drawing and observation skills.
This is a space for people who are curious about nature, creativity, slowing down and paying attention. Whether you already keep a nature journal, love drawing, enjoy walking outdoors, or simply want to notice the world around you a little more deeply, you’re very welcome.
https://buytickets.at/debbiekersley
The group is centred around artist-led workshops and gatherings in and around Gloucestershire, including nature journaling, seasonal sketching, mindful observation, creative exploration and opportunities to connect with nature through drawing, writing and curiosity.
You don’t need to be “good at art” to join in. Many people come along because they want to spend time outdoors, meet like-minded people, develop a creative practice, or find ways to slow down and reconnect with the natural world. The focus is on observation and enjoyment rather than producing perfect drawings.
Here you’ll find information about upcoming workshops and classes. Feel free to introduce yourself, share what drew you to the group, or tell us about a favourite local nature spot.
If you’re new to nature journaling, don’t worry—beginners are always welcome, and simple materials are all you need to get started.
I believe that paying attention is a creative act, and that spending time with trees, birds, plants and landscapes can help us feel more connected to ourselves, each other and the places we live.
Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions, and keep an eye out for more groups and events being added soon in Cheltenham and beyond. More details and concessions/ discounts here.
What participants say:
"Yesterday I spent the day at Westonbirt Arboretum, my first experience of Nature Journaling. The whole day was enriching, relaxing and rejuvenating from beginning to end. We learned loads of artist techniques and journaling tips, all in magical surroundings. Debbie was so thoughtful and thorough in the way she ran the event, and her knowledge and teaching skills truly amazing. We all took home our own art in a mini journal and got to use an array of tools which helped enhance the whole experience. I’m looking forward to attending more of the Westonbirt workshops, and I would thoroughly recommend attending any of Debbie’s events."
Helen
"Nature journaling with Debbie has become such a positive and grounding experience for me. It gives me the chance to slow down, focus my mind, and reconnect with the beauty of nature in a calm and peaceful way. The classes create a safe, welcoming space where my creative thoughts can flow freely, helping me feel relaxed, less stressed, and more present in the moment. Debbie is incredibly warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable. She gently encourages you to open your mind to new possibilities and helps build confidence in your own creativity without any pressure or judgement. I always leave her sessions feeling calmer, inspired, and refreshed, I literally walk away from a class feeling like a different woman."
Hannah
"I love Debbie’s art journaling classes. She teaches us to really observe nature in a very detailed and thoughtful way, even something as ordinary as a dandelion is fascinating and full of beauty in her classes! We use different art techniques, mainly drawing but also some watercolour work. The classes are not only creative but also mindful and calming. Debbie creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere that makes the whole experience really enjoyable. I always leave feeling more connected to nature and creatively refreshed."
Tracey
"Debbie has reawakened a love of nature in me and awakened a love of art. Her classes offer a tranquil escape from our busy world."
Rebecca
"Debbie chooses lovely spaces for her classes - her studio, garden or gorgeous places like Westonbirt. She is friendly and attentive to students’ needs, providing quality materials and creature comforts! We are invited to be curious about an aspect of nature, be it a flower or a woodland glade, to explore it in detail with our senses, ask questions and follow our interest. Debbie guides and supports as needed, showing how to make the most of the materials. I know I speak for more than myself when I say that I have experienced moments of awe, beauty, and peace, enhanced by the company of fellow journallers. My childhood interest in nature has reawakened, and this is enhancing my life daily."
Mel
"I’ve been attending Debbie’s nature journaling art class since January, and it has become a real highlight for me. Debbie is an excellent teacher — calm, encouraging, knowledgeable, and wonderfully inspiring. She creates a relaxed and welcoming space where you can slow down, really observe the natural world, and build confidence with your drawing and painting at your own pace. Each session feels thoughtful, creative, and restorative. I would highly recommend Debbie’s classes to anyone interested in nature, art, or simply taking a little time to reconnect with both."
Mark
I look forward to journaling in nature with you soon,
Best wishes
Debbie
Artist, nature journaler and group organiser
Upcoming events
2
Oak Hour
Oak Tree, What3Words location ///flank.hope.buddy, Lott Meadow, Leckhampton, GL53, Cheltenham, GBMonthly meet-ups at an ancient oak tree on Lott Meadow, Cheltenham
Get to know the same ancient oak tree through the seasons and learn how to:
- Do quick sketching and journalling outdoors.
- Capture 'aha' micro-nuggets and glimmers in your journal.
- Connect with nature whatever the weather.Materials: Basic supplies (sheets of paper & watercolour pencils/ water-brushes) are provided.
Feel free to bring your own journal/sketchbook and favourite materials if you wish.These sessions are currently free with an option to support my work at http://www.ko-fi.com/debk_artist
Access:
What3Words location ///flank.hope.buddy
The field can be bumpy and muddy, please wear suitable shoes and wrap up warm!
Parking is at Burrows Field or on the neighbouring streets. There is a cafe with toilets and a covered area on Burrows Field which is a 5-10 minute walk away. If the weather is very bad, we will meet at the tree for a practice of noticing and then go to the covered seating area to journal.1 attendee- £100.00
Autumn Treasures at Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS, United Kingdom,, Westonbirt, GBJoin a small, welcoming group for a calm and creative day of nature journaling at the Learning Centre 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.
This workshop includes time outdoors with the trees and then indoors in the Learning Centre classroom, with guided exercises, quiet solo journaling and sharing together.
The day will begin in the Learning Centre classroom with an introduction before we walk together into the arboretum.
We will spend the late morning outdoors with the trees, exploring their scale, shape and presence in the wider landscape.
There will be time for quiet observation and journaling, as well as opportunities to gather small natural treasures from the ground — such as fallen leaves, cones or seed pods — to bring back with us for closer observation.We will walk back to the Learning Centre to pause for lunch and hot drinks.
In the afternoon we will regroup in the classroom to share reflections and begin looking more closely at the materials we have collected, gradually zooming in to notice smaller details of light, colour, pattern and texture. We will also explore a few simple techniques that can support your journaling practice, including watercolour approaches such as wet-on-wet.
You will then have a longer period of focused time to work on your own journal page, with individual guidance available if you would like it.
Towards the end of the day we will gather together to share reflections before finishing.Most importantly, you’ll leave feeling nourished by a day 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.
Your booking includes all art materials, hot drinks and Arboretum admission.The Meetup cost shown here is for standard tickets. Discounts are available for booking more than one workshop, or for booking together with friends. Concessions and multi-session discounts available here: All details and booking here
1 attendee
Past events
8
