Average Brit hasn't walked in countryside or seen sunset for over a year

A recent study has unveiled the strained relationship Britons have with the great outdoors, revealing that the average person has not been on a countryside walk, seen the sun set, or swum in the sea for more than a year.

The research indicates that nearly one in five Brits claim to leave their homes only for their daily commute. On average, individuals have not swum in the ocean for one year and five months, nor embarked on a rural walk or witnessed a sunset for one year and three months.

In stark contrast, the general population spends an average of 22 hours per week watching television and 21 hours scrolling through their phones. Shockingly, seven per cent of the 2,000 respondents stated they would rather observe nature through a screen than experience it firsthand. Additionally, nearly one in ten admitted they have never felt truly connected to nature.

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The survey, commissioned by The Camping and Caravanning Club in collaboration with Professor Miles Richardson, also found that demanding jobs are taking a toll. The average employee works 10 hours and 20 minutes more per week than contracted, with 43 per cent citing lack of time as the primary barrier to spending more time outdoors. One in ten say they are too busy to notice the world around them daily.

Despite this disengagement, seven in ten Brits expressed a desire to spend more time in nature, and a quarter cannot remember the last time they felt mentally refreshed. Millennials are the age group most affected by modern life's impact on nature connection (89%), followed by Gen Z (87%) and Gen X (80%). Those aged 30-44 feel the greatest need for a reset from modern life (85%), compared to 78% of Gen Z and Gen X.

The study aims to encourage participation in a 'Re-boot camp', a two-day nature challenge designed to provide a mental reset. Professor Richardson stated: 'Evidence shows that simple engagement with nature can support our wellbeing. A 48-hour reboot provides space to re-tune and rediscover moments of connection with the rest of nature.'

Sabina Voysey, Director General at The Camping and Caravanning Club, commented: 'It's surprising how far many of us have drifted from the outdoors. Simple moments like watching a sunset or just spending time outside are becoming all too rare. Time outdoors has a powerful way of helping us slow down, breathe deeper, and feel more like ourselves again.'