2 Million Brits Have Never Been To The Countryside

Research launched today has found that two million Brits have never been to the coast or countryside. The survey, commissioned by National Boat Caravan & Outdoor Show found that while this represents 4% of the total UK adult population, it rises to 10% of all 16 - 24 year olds.

Britain's Don't Know Their Ash From Their Elbow...

The survey also showed a lack of knowledge of the countryside in general. When shown images of British nature, 61% of us fail to recognise the Horse Chestnut tree. One in three (33%) couldn't identify the most common of British birds; the sparrow, and cockles are no longer part of our culture as less than one third knew what one looked like!

The lack of time we are spending at the UK coast or countryside could be to blame as the research also found that while no Brit is more than 60 minutes from the coast or countryside, 21% only visit once a year or less.

How frequently do the British visit the coast or countryside?

•     Once a week or more - 26%
•     Once every six months - 12%
•     Once a fortnight - 10%
•     Once a year or less - 17%
•     Never - 4%

While 92% of us would like to spend more time in the countryside, our time-poor lifestyles (56%) and the unreliable British weather (40%) are the biggest turn-offs.
Those who do manage to make the great escape find the change of routine massively beneficial. When asked what they enjoy most about spending time in the countryside, 35% said that they found it de-stressing, while 34% said they enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Fresh air (20%) and the chance to get involved in exercise and outdoor sports (11%) are also alluring.
Karen Dodd, organiser of the National Boat Caravan & Outdoor Show, was surprised by the findings; "It is a travesty that British people spend so little time in the countryside and I am shocked by the lack of knowledge when it comes to basic elements of the countryside.

The good news is that more and more of us are now choosing to holiday at home. The National Boat Caravan & Outdoor Show should be the first port of call for inspiration for the one in five Brits who claim they don't know where to go or what to do in the countryside and to try some of the activities the great outdoors has to offer such as archery, climbing and canoeing in an indoor pool."

Outdoor expert lan Keirle of the Institute of Rural Sciences (Aberystwyth University) said; "Whilst these figures are shocking, they are reflective of our studies about peoples use of the countryside and the use made by differing sectors of society. The British coast and countryside is a wonderful resource available to all however, research shows that it is the more affluent and mobile sections of society that use the countryside most. The whole industry needs to work hard to break down the barriers that prevent the active use of the countryside and better communicate the wealth of benefits to be had. This is not just important for the rural economy but also for people to enjoy the positive benefits for mental and physical health."