A recent poll has revealed which group of residents are more likely to spend time outdoors and who spneds the most time outside on a daily basis – and it’s not the expected group
Research has revealed that city dwellers spend more time outdoors than those residing in small towns and villages. A study of 2,000 adults found that urbanites clock up an average of one hour and 17 minutes outside each day – over 10 minutes more than their suburban counterparts.
However, over half of inner-city residents confessed that this time is largely spent commuting rather than truly immersing themselves in nature. The research also highlighted a growing generational disconnect from nature, with 44 per cent of Gen Z and 36 per cent of Millennials confessing they feel less connected to it than older generations.
Two-thirds of Gen Z admit there are times when they can go days without stepping outside. Parents are worried too, with under 18s spending an average of just 58 minutes outside each day.
More than four in 10 parents are convinced they spent more time outside when they were younger, with increased screen time, safety concerns and weather the biggest reasons parents think has led to the decline. The study was commissioned by Super, Natural British Columbia, the official tourism body for the Canadian Province, which has launched a free new digital tool, The Nature Rating.
The tool scrutinises the amount of nature in everyday media – from telly programmes and films, to books and tunes – with the aim of encouraging people to seek out more of it in their daily lives. Social psychologist Dr Pelin Kesebir said: “References to nature in songs, books, and films have been on a steady decline since the 1950s. This is symptomatic of a larger societal issue, as there is a strong link between what we consume and how we behave.
“Art, media, and culture both reflect and shape our lived experiences, so the nature deficit in the content we consume signals a broader and concerning disconnect from the natural world. That’s why tools that encourage a healthier ‘nature diet’ in our media can be a powerful catalyst for inspiring real-world nature engagement.”
Research conducted via OnePoll discovered that while many feel there’s a ‘nature deficit’ in the films, TV, and music they consume, almost half believe seeing nature in pop culture motivates them to get outside themselves.
Countryfile was the top show, film, or book that inspired Brits to get outside most, followed by David Attenborough’s Life on Earth and Blue Planet. Race Across the World and even The Great British Bake Off encourage people to go out.
Despite this, only a quarter of people make a conscious decision to get outside once a day. Bad weather was found to be the biggest barrier, while 21 per cent claim there simply aren’t enough hours in the day.
Maya Lange of Super, Natural British Columbia said: “The benefits of spending time in nature are widely known, but modern life can make it difficult, with our research showing that we’re becoming more disconnected from nature with each generation.
“The Nature Rating is designed to help people take a first step – assessing nature in content they consume can inspire people to go outside and foster a stronger connection to the natural world.”