Explore the Eucalypt forests of Binna Burra, and learn about the structural features and ecology of these diverse ecosystems. Increase your observation skills through simple drawing and writing exercises. Experience how science and art can be combined to facilitate learning. Create a nature journal that records your responses, and provides a unique, personal guide to the features and species that characterise Eucalypt forests.
Nature journaling is simply ‘drawing and writing in response to nature’. It’s a wonderful technique for learning, as it encourages close observation and strengthens comprehension and memory. The practice of nature journaling – especially while outdoors - can also benefit one’s mental, emotional and physical health. The practice is further rewarded by the creation of one’s own unique nature journal.
This workshop will allow participants to slow down, immerse themselves in a beautiful outdoor location and meet like-minded people. Detailed class notes will provide a framework for interpreting Eucalypt forest ecosystems.
For more information on Paula's approach to nature journaling, download her free ebook Make a Date with Nature .
Location: Meet outside the Visitors Information Centre at Binna Burra; please meet at 9.45 am for a 10 am start.
Date: Wednesday 16th October 2024
Format: 3 hour workshop; 10 am – 1 pm (please meet at 9.45 am for a 10 am start).
Group size: maximum group size 15 people
Pay what you can by donation: suggested donation $50 per person
Audience: For ages 15 years and up. Interested kids 10 years and over welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Required mobility / fitness: The workshop includes short walks (up to a total of 3 km) on bush tracks and paved roads, with some steps and sloping ground.
What is included:
- Watercolour paints and pencils, and brushes to share
- Class notes
What to bring:
● A blank unlined A4 notebook, sketchbook or journal
● Greylead pencil or mechanical pencil (preferably 2B)
● Ink pen with waterproof ink (e.g. Pigma Micron fineliner size 03 or similar)
● Colour materials (e.g. coloured pencils or watercolour pencils or small palette of watercolour paints) are optional, but fun. Please also bring your own paintbrush or aquabrush if using watercolour pencils or watercolour paints)
● Drinks and snacks; or purchase these from the Binna Burra Teahouse. Note that the Binna Burra Teahouse is a 5 minute drive from the Visitor's Information Centre.
● Dress to be outdoors (e.g. hat, closed shoes) and bring a water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a folding chair or a mat to sit on.
● Note that the temperature at Binna Burra in the forest can be 6 – 10 degrees cooler than in the Gold Coast or Brisbane on the same day. The body also tends to cool down when sitting and drawing. So bring extra layers of clothing for warmth and comfort during the workshop.
- Try to keep your gear light and portable, as we will be carrying it around during the day.
Your facilitator: Dr Paula Peeters has a PhD in Ecology and Evolution, and worked in forest research and wildlife conservation for 13 years. She now combines science, art and writing to celebrate Australian nature, and teaches nature journaling to help people to connect more closely to nature, and improve their understanding of the Australian biota. Paula has been teaching nature journaling for the last 7 years, and has published 3 books on nature journaling: Make a Date with Nature: An introduction to nature journaling (2016), Take this Book for a Walk: A step-by-step guide to nature journaling (2020) and A walk in the mountain forests: My nature journal of Binna Burra, Beechmont and beyond (2023).
Website: www.paperbarkwriter.com
Contact: For more information contact Paula via email: paula.peeters@paperbarkwriter.com
For a full list of events see: https://www.paperbarkwriter.com/events/
