Spring Equinox Nature Journaling Walk & Workshop - Heart of Kent Walking Festival 2025

About

Join for a fun-filled morning of nature journalling & zine-making with talented illustrator/nature doodler Zabby Allen as part of the Heart of Kent Walking Festival 2025!

Together we'll learn to see the heart of Maidstone differently; learning about plants, trees, birds and more. We’ll celebrate the Spring Equinox by looking for some classic spring blooms, connect to our senses and learn some nature facts. You'll have the option to capture notes, doodles and sketches as we go, or just enjoy the journey!

After our nature walk, we'll settle in Lockmeadow, where we can journal, sketch and chat some more. Zabby will show you how to make a mini zine from one sheet of paper, which you can fill in however you like, or use your own journal. Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your favourite notebook and pens, pencils or paints too!

🌿 Explore & learn about the natural world around Maidstone
😊 Meet new creatives & make new friends
👩‍👧 A fun family-friendly creative adventure
🎨 Art materials provided (and you're welcome to bring your own)

Zabby Allen
@zabbyallen
Zabby Allen is a nature enthusiast, designer, doodler, magazine editor and the chair of Wild South London, who offer free Wild Walks around South London, encouraging people to get outside and explore local green spaces. Zabby also runs the Nature Notice Board newsletter where she shares weekly prompts to help you connect with the natural world on your doorstep.

Meeting point: Archbishops Palace Garden

Walk Leader: Zabby Allen

Distance: 1.5 miles

Walk Duration: Approx 1.5 hour 

Walk Type: Linear

Walk Grade: 2 - Easy Walk

Please Bring: Bring any art materials you would like to use, like your favourite drawing materials and sketchbook (Although plenty will also be provided) and a camera to take inspiration for the journaling afterwards! Please also wear suitable clothing for the weather, with layers and a waterproof and suitable walking shoes.

Dogs: Dogs are NOT permitted on this walk

Age: All ages welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)

Stiles: No

Accessibility Grade: A2 - Suitable for a person with sufficient mobility to climb a flight of stairs.

Rest Stops: Yes, we will stop and appreciate nature and stop to journal afterwards.

Pushchairs: Suitable

Mobility Scooters: Not suitable

Refreshments Available: Yes - at the lockmeadow after the walk

Toilets on Route: Yes, at the end of the walk.

Food: Either grab some food after the walk at lockmeadow or bring a packed lunch and snacks to consume when you get a chance.

Family Friendly: Yes

Takes in Scenery: Yes

Takes in Woodland: No

 

What to do in the area?

Visit Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre and enjoy a variety of indoor activities and try some street food!

Head along the family friendly, free River Park Nature Trail.

Watch a show at the Hazlitt Theatre

Visit Maidstone Museum and explore the current exhibition: Graham Clarke: A Retrospective – 65 Years of Printmaking.

Explore more things to do by clicking here

Where to stay?

Orida Hotel Maidstone

Holiday Inn Maidstone - Sevenoaks

Village Hotel

The Black Horse Inn

Explore more places to stay by clicking here