Top ways Brits connect with nature - like walks in the park, or going barefoot

07 November 2023 , 15:42

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Six in ten Brits feel connecting with nature is key to improving physical wellbeing and reducing stress, while 63% say it also helps to boost mental health, research has found.

A survey of 2,000 adults has revealed some of the top ways people connect with the great outdoors – with 58% enjoying walks in the park, or sipping a tea or coffee in the garden (39%).

Other popular ways to enjoy nature include listening to the sounds of birds singing or rain falling, looking at the stars, and watching a sunrise or sunset.

And when it comes to beautiful blooms, people like to grow and keep house plants, buy bouquets of flowers, or stop and smell the roses – literally.

However, more than a quarter of those polled (26%) admit they find it harder to connect with nature now than they did a decade ago – with the average Brit getting outdoors for just 32 minutes each day.

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This shortens to just 28 minutes a day out in nature for Londoners – while over half of all Brits say they struggle to find the time to get out and enjoy the natural world.

Nearly half (46%) blame this on living in cities and built-up areas with less greenery, while nearly six in ten feel that no matter how much time they get in nature – it's never enough.

Londoners manage to spend just 28 minutes a day outdoors in nature - less time than anyone else in the UK (Flower Council of Holland)

And with winter approaching, bad weather (40%), long hours at work (24%), and keeping the house clean (16%), are some of the top factors holding people back from getting outdoors.

Th study was commissioned by the Flower Council of Holland, which also worked with digital artist, Rek0de, to create a virtual re-imagining of three iconic London landmarks – Tate Modern, Tower Bridge, and Trellick Tower – transforming them into natural havens.

An AR filter has also been developed, so anyone with a camera phone can see how nature can transform our cityscapes and homes.

Gabrielle Dullaart, from the Flower Council of Holland, said: “Escapism into nature can be found in many forms. Nature is the ultimate remedy for our hectic lives – a place where we find peace and rediscover our true selves.

“Spending time in nature, even just for a short time, is like hitting the “reset” button for your mind and soul. It's where we recharge and find clarity. As longer nights loom in those coming winter months, it’s important we don’t lose touch with nature.”

The study also found that while 76% consider themselves at least somewhat happy as a person, 40% of those who aren’t say that more time in nature would help.

Despite this, over half (53%) find it hard to fit in time to connect with nature, according to the OnePoll.com data – and as many as 42% went as far as to say people have forgotten how to get in touch with nature.

Gabrielle Dullaart added: “In the midst of the chaos of modern life, nature provides a refuge for our well-being. It's the antidote to our daily stress. Embracing nature isn't just a lifestyle choice, it's a statement of our commitment to a sustainable and harmonious future.

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“Even if you can’t make it out for a hike in the woods at lunchtime, filling your home with plants and cut flowers can ensure you at least have greenery nearby at all times, and still benefit from the effects.”

Following the findings, RHS Chelsea Flower Show winner, Ian Drummond, gave his top tips for city dwellers to connect with nature – from listening to recordings of birdsong, to bringing art into the home, such as paintings of nature, or prints, sculpture, digital art, and photography.

TOP 20 WAYS BRITS CONNECT WITH NATURE: