A survey of 1,000 UK adults found that 21% of those in urban areas can’t recall the last time they saw a farm animal, with many only venturing outdoors for the bare minimum
Nestlé and First Milk bring the British Dairy Farm experience to London
A staggering one in five city dwellers feel disconnected from nature, with some unable to recall the last time they saw a farm animal.
Almost half of urban residents admit they only step outside to pop to the shops or for sports activities. The lack of easy access to green spaces compounds this issue, as city folk typically have to travel two miles to reach a park, recreation ground or sports pitch.
This contrasts sharply with their rural counterparts, who usually find outdoor spaces within half a mile of their homes, and have the luxury of woodlands (58%) and rivers (42%) within strolling distance.
The study, commissioned by Nestle UK & Ireland, surveyed 1000 adults – half living in rural areas and half in cities – and discovered a significant disparity in their relationship with the outdoors.
Despite over two thirds of adults acknowledging that time spent in nature boosts their mood and aids relaxation, nearly a third of city inhabitants haven’t visited the countryside in six months or more.
Urbanites are currently feeling overwhelmed by traffic noise, crowded places and litter-strewn pavements and this limited exposure to nature has left a fifth feeling alienated from the natural world.
To help city dwellers reconnect, Nestlé tle UK & Ireland has teamed up with First Milk, a regenerative dairy co-operative, to transform a Shoreditch space, in London. Dr Emma Keller, Nestlé’s head of sustainability, stated: “We know how important the countryside is, not just for our mental wellbeing but also how much we depend on it for the food and drink we produce here.”
She further explained that the initiative was designed to bring a slice of British farmland to the city, offering an escape from urban life and showcasing the importance of farms and farmers.
The ‘Farm Drop’ experience aims to provide a dose of nature by bringing the tranquil farmlands of Cumbria and Ayrshire where the cows producing milk for Nestlé’s products live right to the city centre.
“We hope the Farm Drop gave visitors a sense of what rural life has to offer,” said Mark Booking, chief impact officer at First Milk.
Dr Keller stated: “Through the partnership with First Milk, we work hand-in-hand with dairy farmers, blending modern and traditional farming methods to produce millions of litres of fresh milk.
“It goes on to be used in our chocolate bars and coffee, including incentive payments for farmers to work on specific initiatives to protect and enhance the natural assets of their land.”