Half of UK adults say they spend less than three hours a week outside in nature
A recent survey reveals that half of UK adults spend less than three hours a week outdoors in nature, despite fond childhood memories of outdoor play. The Wildlife Trusts emphasize the health benefits of spending time in green spaces and urge people to reconnect with nature. Accessibility to parks and natural environments remains a significant issue, particularly in deprived areas.
- ▪Almost 90% of UK adults have positive memories of outdoor play as children.
- ▪The survey found that nearly half of adults now spend less than three hours a week in natural settings.
- ▪The government aims to ensure everyone has access to a green space within a 15-minute walk, but one in five households currently do not.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
A family enjoying time outside at Ashridge Woods in Buckinghamshire. Photograph: Robert Stainforth/AlamyView image in fullscreenA family enjoying time outside at Ashridge Woods in Buckinghamshire. Photograph: Robert Stainforth/AlamyAccess to green spaceHalf of UK adults say they spend less than three hours a week outside in natureMost people have joyful memories of playing outside as children – and now wildlife charities are urging people to ‘rewild their inner child’Damian Carrington Environment editorMon 25 May 2026 01.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleClimbing trees, squelching in mud, paddling in ponds or making dens in the woods – people’s memories of playing outside as children are often vivid and, a new poll has found, overwhelmingly positive, even those who remember falling…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at World news | The Guardian.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from World news | The Guardian
