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A third of people in Yorkshire spend three hours a week or less outside, according to new poll

A family sitting in a meadow © Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography

A new poll published on 25th May has found that a third of people in Yorkshire and nearly half of UK adults spend just three hours or less outdoors a week.

The survey commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts and carried out by Savanta also found that 6.2% of people said they now spent an hour or less per week outside. 

The trend appears to have grown over time, as 92% of respondents had positive memories of spending time outside as a child. The survey revealed deep connections between childhood and nature in Yorkshire:

  • Nearly two thirds (65%) of people spent more than half of their time outside as a child
  • 66% of the people questioned said they were more likely to reconnect with nature after thinking about their childhood memories
  • 89% of the parents asked to recall their childhood memories said they now wished to encourage their own children to have more natural childhoods

There is already a wealth of evidence to show that spending time in nature boosts happiness, health and wellbeing, and The Wildlife Trusts now plan to tap into the power of positive childhood memories to help adults to venture outdoors more. They are calling on people to ‘rewild your inner child’ by taking part in the 30 Days Wild challenge in the month of June.

The annual challenge to take time out to notice nature during June happens when wildlife is in peak performance mode. People can ‘re-wild their inner child’ by making use of the free 30 Days Wild guides, wildflower seeds, activity packs and inspiring community events – and reconnect with everyday wildlife found in gardens, local greenspaces and beyond.

Tom Wright, Director of Fundraising and Engagement at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, says, “Whether you were a mud-pie enthusiast, liked building dens in your local woodland, playing tag on the grass or hunting for bugs and beasties in your garden border, nature has left its green mark on all of us – even if we struggle now to make time for it.

“The number of people who spend so little time outdoors is deeply alarming. Being outdoors in nature has so much joy to offer us all – fresh air, sunlight, birdsong and so many proven health benefits – and it is clear many of us hold a deep nostalgia for our wilder years.

“Given how strongly community areas like town parks featured in reported childhood memories, this survey highlights the vital need to maintain and provide more precious urban green spaces to offer access to nature for everyone. We must recall the wilder and greener years of our childhoods and create opportunities for young people to experience the same: because without that connection to nature, there will be no drive to help us create a wilder future.” 

The Trust is urging people to spend a few minutes recalling a childhood memory of being outside and then to venture outdoors and experience nature once more. Taking a moment this June to rewild yourself can be as simple as stopping for a few deep breaths at your local park, scattering free wildflower seeds in your garden or window box, or lying on the ground looking up through the trees to the birds above.

30 Days Wild has attracted more than three million participants across the UK and, with thanks to players of the Postcode Lottery, has helped people to enjoy and connect with nature for over a decade. 

This year The Wildlife Trusts have teamed up with Acamar Films and Bing to create a new range of fun, inspiring activity resources, designed especially for the next generation of young nature explorers. With much-loved children’s TV character Bing by their side, children can enjoy simple outdoor adventures, spot wildlife, use their imagination and make their own lasting memories of being in nature. 

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