The average Brit only gets 32 minutes in nature a day – with more than half saying they struggle to find time to get outdoors.
Londoners see the least amount of nature in comparison to the rest of the UK, as they’re exposed to only 28 minutes a day.
1
The study of 2,000 adults found more than a quarter (26 per cent) find it harder to connect with nature now than they did 10 years ago.
And 46 per cent of those blame this on living in cities and built-up areas with less greenery.
While nearly six in 10 of all those polled feel that no matter how much time they get in nature – it’s never enough.
Walks in the park (58 per cent), enjoying a coffee in the garden (39 per cent), and taking off shoes and going barefoot (10 per cent) are among the ways we connect with the Earth.
But with winter approaching, bad weather (40 per cent), long hours at work (24 per cent) and keeping the house clean (16 per cent) are 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 63 per cent of adults think it’s important to spend time in nature to boost mental health.
While 60 per cent feel it’s vital for physical wellbeing, and the same percentage think it can reduce stress levels.
And while 76 per cent consider themselves at least somewhat happy as a person, 40 per cent of those who aren’t say more time in nature would help.
Despite this, 53 per cent find it hard to fit in time to connect with nature, according to the OnePoll.com data.
While as many as 42 per cent 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.
“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 or bringing art into the home such as paintings of nature or prints, sculpture, digital art and photography.
TOP 20 WAYS BRITS CONNECT WITH NATURE
1. Walks in the park
2. Listening to the sounds of nature such as birds singing
3. Drinking tea/coffee in the garden
4. Watching the sunset/sunrise
5. Growing and keeping house plants
6. Looking at the stars
7. Smelling flowers
8. Watching nature documentaries
9. Getting a bird feeder for the garden
10. Going on hikes
11. Eating lunch on a bench outside
12. Going for picnics
13. Buying cut flowers
14. Talking to other people about nature
15. Going for a run
16. Donating to charities connected with nature
17. Going camping
18. Taking off my shoes and going barefoot
19. Putting up pictures of plants/greenery in my home
20. Listening to natural sounds via a digital meditation or calming app
