coolmelbourne.org

Young people in the UK are increasingly missing out on the stress-relieving benefits of spending time in nature, according to Europe's largest wildlife conservation charity.

Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said it uncovered a worrying trend of "nature starvation" among young Britons when it conducted a study to find out just how important it is for people to connect with the natural world.

The survey of 1,000 people found that only about a third (37%) of under 35s feel connected to the natural world, compared with more than half (55%) of those aged over 35.

People who grow up with regular access to the natural world often find it therapeutic, feel better mentally and physically and continue enjoying visits to places like nature reserves, parks and forests throughout their lives, the RSPB said.

In fact more than half (51%) of those people surveyed said they need time in nature to feel happy and when they feel unhappy they find comfort in the outdoors. More than three quarters (76%) of respondents said that being out in nature was a great stress reducer.

"These results are worrying," RSPB President Kate Humble and nature television presenter said in a statement.

"If a child hasn't ever got their hands dirty sifting though soil for bugs, kicked up leaves or been wowed by a cute baby bird, how can we expect them to care about the natural world?"

"There is simply no substitute for getting outdoors and experiencing nature first hand. If we don't make sure our young people enjoy nature we're taking away something that will help keep them happy and healthy."


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