What is a Field Study: How to Discover Nature in Your Backyard

If you’re anything like me then you will agree that there is something wonderful about being outside. Nothing can beat getting some fresh air and just being within nature, it brings me a real sense of peace of mind. But there is more to nature then what we see at a glance, what if I told you that with only a notebook and some curiosity, you could discover the hidden side of nature from you own garden. Let me introduce you to the magic of field studies. A field study isn’t just for far away scientists in deep dark rainforest or adventurous ocean explorers. A field study doesn’t have to be big or complicated, they are for anyone with a love of nature and a keen eye.

So, today let’s take a little journey into the world of environmental field studies. I will show you what they are, why they matter, and how you can become a backyard scientist in just a few simple steps.🌿🔍

So what is a field study? 

Firstly, lets address the question: What is a field study? Well a field study can be many things, depending on what is being researched. But in a general sense think of  a field study as a scientific treasure hunt. A way to find answers the open questions of the natural world by simply observing and recording. Scientists use field studies to understand how ecosystems function, how animals behave, and how plants survive in changing surroundings. Though it’s true that complex studies require a wide verity of equipment, but you don’t need a fancy lab coat or high-tech equipment to do it.

All you really need is a notebook, a sharp eye, and a little bit of patience. Whether you’re counting butterflies in your garden, watching birds in a local park, or noticing how different flowers bloom throughout the seasons, you’re doing exactly what scientists do—paying attention to the world around you. And the best part? You can try it right now, at home!

Homegrown Science

Theres no need for plane tickets or jungle expeditions, here is a little field study that brings the adventure to you. It’s a simple, fun way to document the wildlife in your own backyard, whether that’s a buzzing garden, a patch of grass, or even just a balcony with a potted plant or two.

What You’ll Need:

📖 A notebook or journal
✏️ A pen or pencil
📸 A camera or smartphone (optional but fun!)

Let’s Begin

🌿 Step 1: Choose Your Spot
Find a quiet place, maybe your garden, a window with a good view, or a small patch of green in your local park. Nature is everywhere if you look closely enough and even the smallest patches can be full of life.

👀 Step 2: Observe & Take Notes
Sit for a while and wait, take it all in. The more patient you are, the more you are likely to see. What do you see? What do you hear? Try to notice the little things, from the insects crawling on leaves to the birds overhead.

🎨 Step 3: Sketch or Describe What You Find
Jot down anything that catches your eye. Maybe there’s a ladybird resting on a leaf or a particularly bright yellow flower standing out among the grass. Don’t worry about being perfect, just capture what you can. You can even be like Darwin and draw pictures of the species you see, and turn your notebook into a real field journal.

📷 Step 4: Take Photos (If You’d Like!)
Snap a picture of anything interesting. It could be a butterfly’s stunning wings, a spider weaving its web, or a bird perched on a branch. Many scientists in the field take pictures of what they see as evidence for later reference. With your pictures you could make a fantastic mural or even use them liven up your living space. No matter what you do with them, photographs can help you remember what you saw and identify species later.

🔍 Step 5: Look for Patterns
Be as observant as you can, and take notice of everything. Are certain flowers attracting more bees? Do you notice the same birds visiting at the same time each day? Small details like these are clues to how nature works in your local living space.

💬 Step 6: Share Your Findings
If you’re feeling inspired, share your little discoveries with friends, family, or even online. You never know, your observations might inspire someone else to start their own nature study!