What is Cricklewood?
Think of it as our basecamp nestled in a forest hollow from which we go forth following trails of curiosity. These paths form a rich network of experiences with nature that we record in our journals using visual notes, text, and numbers. It’s the crossing of art and science through observation, questions, and critical thinking.
If you haven’t guessed it, I have a thing for owls.
Why nature journal?
Because it can make you feel better. It’s as simple as that. We have a natural affinity for nature – the wind brushing our face, the smell of loamy earth filling our nostrils, the sound of birdsong filling our ears – because we are of nature. For me, it’s a homecoming, and if you are reading this I’m willing to wager you feel it, too.
Beyond that, nature is simply fascinating, and nature journaling helps you form a deeper connection to our biosphere that comes from understanding. When you draw and write in your nature journal, you’re learning and linking all your observations and thoughts together into a deep and more complete view of the world.
“No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”
– David Attenborough
Cricklewood Nature Journaling is my small effort of eco-activism. The objective is the experience because something happens when you observe a leaf or seashell closely and transcribe it into your journal using pictures, words, and diagrams, even if it’s from photographs. You begin to care just a little more because you understand a bit more. You’re invested now because this bit of nature becomes part of your story.
Who reads Cricklewood?
Wonder-seekers and the curious.
Readers who believe in slow living and savoring their experiences.
Budding naturalists who are interested in learning about their environment through observation and research.
Those who are filled with joy at the beauty of our world.
What to expect when you subscribe
Seasons
Content is published in thematic seasons with a bonus season in the summer for paid subscribers. The topics are broad to give everyone the opportunity to tailor their exploration to their specific region, meteorological season, and interests. It is, after all, your nature journal!
The guiding principle behind the theme is always constant: I know little to nothing about it, but I want to learn more. I want to understand my world more deeply because I feel it will enhance my appreciation and wonder.
I’m betting you feel the same, too.
Publishing Schedule
When you subscribe, you will receive updates every time there is new content on the following schedule:
For Everyone
Daily – updates to Notes;
Free Subscribers
Newsletter at the beginning of the month from September through June, exclusive nature journal spreads, and a related prompt to encourage you to develop your nature journaling practice;
Access to a monthly “Nature Journal With Me” video for 1-week before it goes behind the paywall.
Occasional “bonus” essays/articles.
Paid Readers
Paid subscribers enjoy everything free subscribers receive above PLUS:
Monthly issues of the Tiny Owl Dispatch – with extra content (more prompts, more nature journaling, personal and studio updates, behind-the-scenes, etc);
Access to the full archive of posts and videos;
A special bonus season spanning July and August with special editions of the Tiny Owl Dispatch, videos and/or livestreams from the field, nature-journal-with-me videos and/or livestreams.
Your support
Cricklewood is a space where we can learn from nature and each other as we rewild. Because nature journaling is so beneficial to our well-being, most of the content is available to all subscribers.
To be completely blunt, however, Cricklewood cannot exist without the support of its readers. Paid subscriptions fund all content creation and activities that happen here.
If you find this content interesting, valuable, and want to support this project, please consider becoming a paid subscriber.
Other ways to support my work
If a paid subscription isn’t for you, consider hiring me for illustration or purchase original art.
And finally, if you just can’t swing a subscription but want access to all the content, just drop me an email and ask me to comp you a paid subscription. I’m happy to do so. Things happen to all of us, and I don’t want lack of funds to be the reason you can’t reap the benefits of nature journaling.
Some posts and prompts you may enjoy
I hope you'll join me in this project!
xoSusannah
(Artist, nature journaler, and ever-evolving naturalist with abundant curiosity about this biosphere we inhabit.)
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