Half of UK adults say they spend less than three hours a week outside in nature | Access to green space

Climbing trees, crashing through mud, paddling in ponds or building dens in the woods: Memories of people playing outside as children are often vivid and, according to a new survey, overwhelmingly positive, even those who remember falling into cowhides.

According to the survey, almost 90% of British adults have fond memories of the excitement and sense of freedom that outdoor play brought them. However, almost half of adults now spend less than three hours a week in natural settings such as gardens, parks, fields or woods, the survey found. For one in ten people, it lasts less than an hour.

The survey of 2,000 people carried out on behalf of the Wildlife Trusts found this was in stark contrast to childhood, when almost two thirds of people reported spending more than half their free time outdoors.

Spending time in nature is known to be significantly beneficial for physical and mental health. Previous research has shown that regular access to green spaces reduces GP visits by 28% and could save the NHS £2 billion a year.

The government is committed to ensuring everyone has access to green space within a 15-minute walk of their home, but one in five households currently do not have access. Access is even worse in deprived areas.

“Being outside in nature has so much joy to offer us all: fresh air, sunshine, birdsong and many proven health benefits,” said Dom Higgins, head of health and education at the Wildlife Trusts. “So it was hard not to worry about how many people spend so little time outdoors, but we need to take into account that not everyone has easy access to natural environments. »

“On the other hand,” he says, “city parks loom large in happy childhood memories, which is incredibly reassuring because our precious urban green spaces can provide both access to nature and a strong sense of community and belonging.” » However, spending on parks has fallen over the past decade as municipal budgets have been strained.

In the survey, two-thirds of respondents said thinking about their childhood memories made them more likely to reconnect with nature.

Higgins said: “We urge people to spend a few minutes remembering a childhood memory spent outdoors, then venture outside and rediscover nature. Taking a moment to recharge can be as simple as stopping for a few deep breaths in your local park or lying on the ground looking through the trees at the birds above.”

The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild challenge has been taken by 3 million people over the past decade, with the charity this year providing free guides and activity packs for children featuring TV character Bing.

More than three quarters of children said they wanted to spend more time in nature, according to a 2024 survey for the National Trust. But the study found that two-thirds of parents were only able to take their children to natural spaces once a week or less, with accessibility the biggest barrier. A 2016 survey suggested that three-quarters of British children spent less time outdoors than those in prison.

Julie Jones-Evans, chair of the Local Government Association’s culture, tourism and sport committee, said parks and green spaces were vital to local communities. However, she said councils were facing financial pressures due to growing demand for legally required services, including social care and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

“This leaves discretionary services such as parks vulnerable and demonstrates why it is important that councils are supported with sufficient and sustainable funding to protect these important services,” Jones-Evans said.

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: “This Government is working to ensure everyone across the country has access to nature. Wherever you live, it is introducing or improving green spaces.” Three new national forests are planned, the first stretching from the Cotswolds to the Mendips, the spokesperson said, as well as nine new national river walks, one in each region of England.