Nurturing creativity in nature

TAKE time this summer to get creative among nature with Axe Creek Landcare’s Love Your Land event series.

The series kicked off on Sunday, 16 January with a nature journaling workshop, providing participants are chance to appreciate their own backyards and be guided in nature illustration.

Axe Creek Landcare president Adrian Martins said the group wanted to offer something for people to take time out of their busy lives and give some perspective to the environment around them.

“It’s one thing to take a photo of a plant, a flower, or an insect, but it’s another to fully take it in and draw it,” he said.

The workshop was hosted by renowned illustrator and author Christine Rockley, with pencils, sketch pads and instructional booklets provided.

“Christine is an expert in nature journaling, with her illustrations appearing all around Australia,” Mr Martins said.

“This workshop was a great opportunity to learn from one of the best. And you didn’t have to be an expert. The workshop catered for all skill levels, including children.

“It was a great day out and a chance to spend some time honing the eye to the intricate beauty of Bendigo’s flora and fauna.”

Upcoming events include an online Indigenous cooking workshop with Peta Hudson on 5 February and an environmental photography workshop at Pilchers Bridge Nature Conservation Reserve with ecologist and photographer Dr Alison Pouliot on 26 February.

There will also be a birdwatching event and a second environmental photography workshop with ecologist Chris Tzaros, as well as a watercolour workshop with Wellsford artist Terry Jarvis. Dates are yet to be announced.

For more information search Axe Creek Landcare Group on Facebook.