A staggering one in five Brits never have the chance to spend an entire day outside, according to a recent poll, with poor weather, work commitments, and a lack of free time cited as major obstacles.
Key Findings from the Poll
The survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 21% of respondents only manage to spend a day or longer outdoors once or a few times each year. Alarmingly, 5% reported this opportunity arises less than once in any 12-month period.
Other significant barriers to outdoor activities include a lack of personal time (21%), working in an office environment (16%), and childcare responsibilities (10%).
Generational Differences in Outdoor Engagement
The study highlighted distinct generational trends. Millennials, at 21%, are more likely to have their outdoor time impacted by family-raising duties. In contrast, 11% of Gen Z individuals have lost interest in outdoor pursuits, compared to a 7% average across all age groups, with 13% attributing this to indoor-based hobbies versus 10% overall.
These factors contribute to the average person spending just 84 minutes daily in the outdoors, with 5% admitting to fewer than five minutes of outdoor enjoyment in a 24-hour period. When it comes to direct contact with nature, such as seeing greenery, time drops to only half an hour per day, and 22% have under five minutes of daily nature interaction.
Insights from The Camping and Caravanning Club
Sabina Voysey, director general at The Camping and Caravanning Club, which commissioned the research, commented on the findings. "Outdoor time is obviously important, but we also acknowledge how hard it can be to spend time in it due to everything else we have on our plates," she said.
"This is one of the reasons we’re so passionate about the benefits of being able to properly switch off and reconnect with nature for longer periods. Taking a holiday that has this built in makes it a great option to up your weekly, monthly, or yearly dose of the incredible outdoors."
Age-Based Analysis of Outdoor Time
The research developed an interactive timeline showing how outdoor hours decline with age due to various commitments. The most outdoorsy group, aged 25-34, averages 104 minutes daily in fresh air, with 11% spending six hours or more outside. In contrast, those aged 45-54 spend only 73 minutes outdoors on a typical day. Outdoor time begins to increase again from age 55, reflecting a slower pace of life and reduced responsibilities.
Life Stages and Their Impact
Key life stages significantly affect nature connection time. Entering full-time work tops the list at 48%, followed by starting a family at 18%. Educational milestones, such as enrolling in university (11%) or moving to secondary school (12%), also play a role.
Among the 28% who believe their generation spends less time outside than previous ones, technology is a primary culprit. Increased screen time (55%), more digital indoor entertainment options (47%), and an overreliance on tech (48%) are blamed for this perception.
Strategies for Increasing Outdoor Engagement
Despite these challenges, 61% of respondents aspire to spend more time in nature. Planned methods include identifying new outdoor places to visit (31%), planning walks (24%), making social plans outdoors (25%), and setting daily or weekly goals (24%). Additionally, 10% are considering longer excursions like camping.
For those who prefer extended outdoor periods, key benefits include the ability to disconnect (41%), relax more effectively (54%), immerse themselves in nature (38%), and explore new locations (38%).
Sabina Voysey added, "It’s such a shame that we don’t get more opportunities as a nation to get outdoors and re-connect with nature. It’s understandable given the pace of life most people have, with multiple commitments on their time. But I think all can agree when you do find that motivation to disconnect and breathe in the fresh air, it can’t be beaten."
