Discover the Art of Field Sketching (a handbook)

Keeping a nature journal is far more interesting than keeping a diary, when you wallow on about your own life and woes. It inspired you to look in your own backyard, garden or park or by the beach, to be amazed at the creatures we share England with, and even further afield.

Here are some beautifully inspiring books by nature writers and artists, perhaps to inspire you to do the same!

Use with eco-friendly drawing pencils or natural vegan watercolour paints.

Discover the Art of Field Sketching is a book by a woman who has taught children and adults to draw single items in nature to large mountain vistas. She has been leading workshops in remote Alaska for over a decade, and now her course is available as a book.

Start with the basics of pen, pencil and watercolour, then learn to sketch a night sky, backyard bird or a squirrel in the park. The book includes 30 easy lessons, and inspiring examples of finished work. And also looks at the benefits of slowing down to sketch the natural world.