News Copy – By Jack Peat
More than one in 10 Brits NEVER explore the great outdoors, it has emerged.
Research revealed most Brits spend the equivalent of under a week a month exploring the outdoors, with more than one in 10 saying they never get out.
And 20 per cent claim they only manage a meagre one or two outings.
Unpredictable British weather, travel distance and a fear of wild animals were cited as the main reasons for not hitting the countryside more often.
But more than one in seven Brits said they simply don’t have the time to get out.
What scares us most about exploring the great outdoors is getting wet or cold, with spiders and insects, getting lost and not having phone signal or wifi also ranking highly.
Nick Giles of Ordnance Survey Leisure, which commissioned the research ahead of the first National Get Outside Day (30th September), said: “Outdoor activity helps us all to live longer, stay younger and enjoy life more
“National Get Outside Day is a great way to raise the profile of physical activity in the outdoors and the role it plays in tackling inactivity across the nation.
“By helping more people to get outside on Sunday 30th, it could be just the catalyst that’s needed to rekindle the nation’s love of the outdoors.”
For those of us who do take to the outdoors, most people journey just two to three hours away from home, with almost one in 10 saying they don’t go further than an hour away.
More than one in five say they would rather sit inside than explore the outdoors, with the majority of Brits preferring to host family and friends at home or catch up on TV shows rather than taking a walk, a hike or going out cycling.
And there’s a concerning reason why.
Almost three in 10 Brits say they find it difficult to be without the internet or phone signal for more than an hour, highlighting a shocking dependency on technology.
Brits also cited a lack of experience, not having the appropriate gear and no local green space as reasons for staying closer to home.
Recently back from reaching the summit of Everest, TV personality Ben Fogle is this year promoting National Get Outside Day, in conjunction with Ordnance Survey, encouraging the nation to get outside and explore the great outdoors.
Fogle said: “We want to get everyone moving and people should spend more time outside.
“You’ll feel better for it.
“When I’m outside I smile more, and it’s the one place that’s repeatedly proven to be good for both body and mind.”
Join in with a National or Regional event near you or create your own adventure outside with family and friends, in the aim of getting 1 million people active outdoors.
Visit OS website – os.uk/getoutside
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