What Is Nature Study?

what is nature study?

Nature study is the practice of observing and learning about the natural world in a relaxed, informal way. 

It’s about stepping outside - whether into your garden, a local park, or a nearby greenspace- and noticing the plants, animals, weather and landscapes around you. 

Rooted in curiosity and personal connection, nature study is often used in homeschooling and Charlotte Mason-style education. But it is beneficial for anyone wanting to build a closer relationship with the natural world.

A brief history of nature study

The concept of nature study became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as an educational movement. 

Charlotte Mason, a British educator, emphasised nature study as a vital part of a child’s development, advocating for regular time outdoors and direct observation rather than textbook memorisation. 

While in the United States, educators like Anna Botsford Comstock also championed nature study as a way to foster a love for science and life itself.

Why is nature study important?

Nature study is more than just a walk around the park. It provides a wide range of benefits for both children and adults:

  • Improves observation skills: By paying close attention to details in nature, learners become more mindful and aware.
  • Encourages curiosity and critical thinking: Asking why and how about the natural world leads to deeper learning.
  • Supports mental health: Time in nature reduces stress, boosts mood and improves focus.
  • Enhances science education: Nature study lays a strong foundation for understanding biology, ecology and environmental science.
  • Fosters a love of the outdoors: Regular exposure to nature builds appreciation and stewardship for the environment.

What does nature study look like?

Nature study can be as simple or as structured as you like. Common elements include: 

  • Nature walks: Go for a walk and notice what is blooming, chirping or changing with the seasons.
  • Journaling: Keep a nature notebook to draw, label or right about your observations.
  • Field guides: Use books or apps to identify birds, insects, trees and other wildlife.
  • Sketching: Drawing what you see encourages careful observation.
  • Questions and research: Follow up your observations with library books, documentaries or online research.

You don’t need to be a science expert to enjoy nature study - you just need a willingness to notice and wonder.

Who can do nature study?

Everyone. Nature study is for people of all ages, backgrounds and educational styles. Although, it is particularly popular among:

  • Homeschooling families
  • Outdoor educators
  • Parents and children seeking screen-free activities
  • Adults looking to reconnect with nature

Whether you live in the countryside or a city apartment, there are always ways to observe and appreciate nature - even if it is just watching ants on a path or clouds in the sky.

How to get started with nature study

  1. Start small: Choose a tree, plant or patch of lawn to observe regularly.
  2. Keep a notebook: Record what you see, hear, smell or feel.
  3. Be consistent: Make it a daily or weekly habit.
  4. Use tools: A magnifying glass or binoculars can enhance your observations
  5. Stay curious: Ask questions and look up answers.

Final thoughts and reflection

So, what is nature study? It is a simple yet profound way to connect with the world around you. 

It is not about having the right tools or knowledge - it is about slowing down, paying attention and allowing nature to teach you in its own time. 

Whether you are 5 or 95, there is always something new to discover outside your door. 

If you are keen to have a go, why not check out our resources. We love making nature study fun and easy for children, parents and teachers.

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What Is Natural History?

Get out your nature notebooks - Its time for a lesson on natural history and nature study. Today we will learn all about what natural history is, who a naturalist is and how you can start your own nature study adventure.

Here are your quick links:

What is natural history?

Natural history, is unfortunately not a word we come across very often these days. It is a word that conjures up images of old men with giant beards in Victorian houses, packed from ceiling to floor with musty smelling journals, stuffed animals and exotic memorabilia. Or else, it recalls grand museums with dinosaur skeletons, antique clothes and beady-eyed animals in glass boxes.

But in reality, natural history is so much more than this. It is a living, breathing, exciting and ever-changing field of study!

Imagine shaggy yak on ice-capped mountains; lions prowling through the African Savannah; herds of buffalo grazing on the prairie; shoals of fish darting through the depths of the ocean; or colourful parrots in a lush, green forest. 

Because, natural history is the study of life in its natural environment. So, plants, trees, birds, butterflies, animals, spiders, lichens, mosses; the earth itself, with its rocks and soils; the water flowing through the ocean depths, or bubbling and laughing in mountain streams. The wind and the rain;  sunshine and rainbows; commets and asteroids; moon and stars...

What is nature study?

Natural history in action is called nature study, and nature study encompasses many different elements. 

For example, 

  • Botany - the study of plants
  • Mycology - the study of fungi
  • Zoology - the study of animals
  • Ornithology - the study of birds
  • Entomology - the study of insects
  • Oceanography - the study of ocean life
  • Astronomy - the study of stars
  • Geology - the study of rocks
  • Herbalism - the study of medicinal plants

The list could go on and on! But, in general, nature study looks at how life lives and grows and breathes and changes; how it interacts with its own and other species; and how it changes and adapts and moves in its environment.

Consider a tiny ant.

  • What is the role of that ant in its ant hill?
  • Does it communicate with the other ants?
  • How does it communicate?
  • What does it do if an enemy approaches?
  • How does it find food and let the others know about it?
  • Does it use any tools to help carry that food home?
  • What if there is no food? What does it do then? What do all the ants do?
  • Do they change their diet? Do they move their hill?
  • How do they feed and rear and care for all their little baby ants?

Now imagine these questions applied to every form of life you can imagine!

What is a naturalist?

The name given to someone who studies natural history, is a naturalist. A naturalist could be anyone with an interest in nature and in life itself - a scientist, a poet, an artist or a philosopher. 

For example, a poet looking for inspiration in nature, will want to accurately depict all the sights and sounds and feels and smells. She will write about the heart-stopping thrill of a predator's chase;  perhaps the swoop and soar of a bird in flight; the way the sunlight moves and dapples through the trees on a windy day; or the way leaves or snowflakes fall to the ground.

An artist painting an ocean scene, would study the waves upon the sea - how they rise and fall; how they ripple and foam, and spray and splash; the way the colour changes to reflect the sun and the clouds, or the swell of the storm.

Even a family on a nature walk are being naturalists - you might look up at the sky and study the weather - is it going to rain? What is that bird you can hear singing? Has that spider caught any flies in its web? How many types of leaves can you find? If it is autumn, are they changing colour yet?

The naturalist's toolkit

So, what does a naturalist need in order to study natural history?

The answer, is little more than a keen eye, keen ears, a nose for opportunities and an open, imaginative mind. 

Of course, there are things that can help a naturalist along, but these can play a supportive role, rather than being essentials. 

For example,

  • A notebook or nature journal
  • Pencils and colours
  • Field identification guides

Other items in the naturalist's toolkit might include:

  • Magnifying glass, binoculars or microscope
  • Compass, butterfly net or fishing net
  • Camouflage
  • Bucket
  • Camera

But, these are extras and required more by the serious and academic naturalists than by families wanting to explore and enjoy a nature adventure. Though, I know, kids big and small enjoy waving butterfly nets through a meadow of flowers or splashing with a bucket through rock pools by the sea!

Studying natural history

I hope what you have read so far has inspired you to go out into nature and have your own naturalist's adventure?

Where will you go?

  • To a woodland or forest
  • A lake, mountain or sea
  • To a river or stream
  • Some meadows or grasslands
  • By a canal, hedgerow or country lane
  • In your own back garden...

There are events and activities taking place all year round and all across the country. Wildlife Trusts , The RSPB  and the Woodland Trust, are just a few of the places you can look for nature walk locations and activities near you. 

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