Help capture a moment in time by sharing your Notes from a Lockdown Naturalist; a snapshot of your thoughts and reflections on the natural world during lockdown. You could write a short article, create some art, compose a poem. It’s up to you.

What was the nature of your lockdown experience?

Your reflections shared as Notes from a Lockdown Naturalist have shown the varied ways in which you connect with the natural world.

Shared from gardens, parks and allotments; from secluded woodlands and favoured haunts, you have shown that the small moments matter, and have captured a moment in time for future generations. In doing so, providing a living record to add to the 190 years of social history in North East England.

The ways in which people have expressed themselves vary greatly; people have shared inspiring art and photography, observations of nature close to home and notes on the precious moments which brought you joy during lockdown. People have shown that everyone, wherever they are, can benefit from nature during even the most testing time.

Much has changed over recent months, but the importance of nature remains the same. That is why we are asking you to continue sharing your reflections on nature over the months ahead. Your reflections matter and we would love to hear from people of all interests, backgrounds and professions, beginner or expert, right across the North East.

Field notes © Stewart Sexton

Share your reflections

Create a living record of nature during lockdown by answering the following question:

How has Coronavirus affected your thoughts, actions, or appreciation of nature, the place you live, or the wider environment?

How to contribute

1. Write your response (maximum 500 words)

2. Submit a short video (maximum 4 minutes)

3. Share a showcase of your photography

4. Share your creative projects undertaken during the lockdown, including sketches, artworks and notebook entries.

Please include your name, neighbourhood and if desirable, a short bio and photograph. We’d love to hear from you.

Terms and Conditions

By submitting your story you agree to the consent below.

“I donate my Notes from a Lockdown Naturalist to NHSN. I consent to it being made publicly available and assign my copyright to NHSN so that it can be reproduced in full or in part on websites, in publications, and in broadcasts.”

Field notes © Dick Gilesby

Explore lockdown notes from across the North East

Archive ›
Discover more about the launch of our latest project, Nature’s Cure, meet out new team member and discover how you can get involved….
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For local naturalist, Neil Pont, lockdown provided an opportunity to create new artworks celebrating the beauty of North East nature….
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For local naturalist & artist, Gary McWilliams, lockdown provided an opportunity to admire wildlife at the site which first sparked his interest in natural history….
Nature in the North East ›
From botany to bug hunts, for Jennie Maughan, lockdown meant time to explore the natural world with her young children….
Nature in the North East ›
For local naturalist, Keith Buchanan, a summertime break in restrictions meant an opportunity to visit the fabled Knepp Estate in…

Get involved

Notes from a Lockdown Naturalist ›
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Notes from a Lockdown Naturalist ›
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