Nature Notebook: Autumn Equinox
Notice the changes in the seasons and reflect on what you've learned
This Saturday is Autumn Equinox, marking the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. On Saturday 23rd September, day and night will be in perfect balance as the sun illuminates the northern and southern hemispheres equally. It’s a good time to reflect on what you have noticed, done, seen and felt in summer and to make plans for the season ahead. I’m not going to pretend I am expert on equinoxes or The Wheel of The Year, but earlier this week I read Glennie Kindred’s pages on the Autumn Equinox in The Earth’s Cycle of Celebration and made some notes in my nature journal. This weekend I hope to also write down some reflections on the past season and make some plans (especially allotment plans!) for the coming months…
If you’d like to do a spot of journaling yourself this weekend, here are some prompts to get you started:
What have you noticed in nature this summer? What stands out to you?
How does summer make you feel? What will you miss (and not miss) as we move into autumn?
Write a list of some of the birds/plants/bugs etc you can remember spotting this summer. Draw some of the things you have found.
What are you hoping to spot/do this coming autumn? Set some intentions.
What are you most looking forward to about autumn? Draw the most autumnal things you can think of.
Where do you need more balance right now and how can you create that?
What do you wish to grow in autumn?
What are you most grateful for in this moment?
If you’re not sure how nature journaling can help you, this video by Alex Boon is well worth a watch. Alex talks us through why he started a nature journal, and how tuning into the seasons has changed his life and improved his health and wellbeing.
Join me on a walk
If you’re able to get to Scadbury Park in Orpington this weekend, come and celebrate the Autumn Equinox with other nature enthusiasts (and some nature newbies) on a Wild South London Wild Walk this Sunday.
What is a Wild Walk?
Wild Walks are free events that encourage people to get outside and explore local green spaces. We’ll walk for about an hour, then settle somewhere close by to talk about what we’ve seen and get to know each other better. These are not guided walks, but someone from Wild South London will be on hand to answer any questions you may have on the day and we encourage walk attendees to share knowledge along the way.
About Wild South London
Wild South London is a community group I set up last year, along with a group of local people. Wild South London aims to raise awareness of local biodiversity and promote the conservation and appreciation of nature. Through walks, talks and hands-on workshops, we will educate and inspire local people on topics such as sustainable foraging and identification of plants, animals and fungi. We will also show people how to record finds to contribute to local biodiversity data - all while promoting the positive health and wellbeing impacts of engaging with nature.
P.S. Last night I went to see The Nettle Dress at the cinema, thanks to a recommendation from Natalie. It’s only on at selected cinemas for a short period of time, butI highly recommend it as a wholesome, thought-provoking, calming watch and you should see it if you can! Find screenings here.