THE average Brit hasn’t been on a countryside walk or seen the sun set for more than a year.
That’s the alarming conclusion of a new study that has lifted the lid on the country’s strained relationship with the outdoors and shows how many people spend barely any time in nature, with almost a fifth (17 per cent) claiming to leave the house only for their commute or to take kids to school (9 per cent), while a further one in ten (12 per cent) haven’t felt mentally refreshed in over six months.
The report also unveiled how most people haven’t swum in the ocean for a year and five months, gone on a rural walk or even seen the sun go down for a year and three months. Shockingly, it did find that we spend an average of 22 hours a week watching television and a staggering 21 hours a week scrolling through our phones.
This could be the reason why one in 14 (seven per cent) said they would rather watch nature through a screen than experience it for themselves, with nearly one in ten (9 per cent) also saying they have never felt truly connected to nature.
Demanding jobs are also taking their toll, according to the survey of 2,000 individuals. The average employee claims to be working ten hours and 20 minutes a week more than they’re contracted, with nearly half (43 per cent) saying lack of time is the primary reason why they’re not spending more time outside in nature.
And one in ten (9 per cent) say they’re just too busy to even notice the world around them on a day-to-day basis. Despite our lack of engagement seven in ten (70 per cent) would like to spend more time in the natural world, with a quarter (24 per cent) saying ‘they can’t remember’ the last time they felt mentally refreshed.
The research was commissioned by The Camping and Caravanning Club which is working alongside Professor Miles Richardson to encourage people to spend 48 hours in nature as part of its ‘Re-boot Camp’.
The two have collaborated to design the two-day nature challenge in celebration of The Camping and Caravanning Club’s 125th Anniversary Year and National Camping and Caravanning Week. The challenge consists of five activities, designed to provide a mental reset.
“Evidence shows that simple engagement with nature can support our wellbeing,” explained Prof Richardson.
“A 48-hour reboot provides space to retune and rediscover moments of connection with the rest of nature. When we tune in to birdsong, sunlight harboured by leaves, or the simple feel of air we allow nature to help manage our emotions and restore our resources.
“The nation needs a reset – stepping away from notifications, routines and distractions to rediscover moments with nature.”
For the average UK adult, it’s also been more than a year since they’ve slowed down and walked bare foot on the grass, listened to the sound of birds signing, enjoyed taking a moment to gaze at the stars or saw the sun rise.
“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,” explained Sabina Voysey, Director General at The Camping and Caravanning Club.
“It’s no wonder people are craving a reset. Time outdoors has a powerful way of helping us slow down, breathe a little deeper and feel more like ourselves again.
“With busy schedules and constant screen time, it’s easy to lose touch with nature and with how good it makes us feel. That’s what inspired us to launch Re-boot Camp challenge.”
Millennials are the age group that feel modern life is impacting their ability to connect with nature the most (89 per cent), with Gen Z (87 per cent) and then Gen X (80 per cent).
Those aged 30-44 also feel the biggest need for a reset from modern life (85 per cent), compared more than three quarters (78 per cent) of both Gen Z and Gen X.
The research went on to show that lack time in the fresh air has left more than a third (35 per cent) feeling unhealthy with other issues listed as, frustrated (33 per cent), unhappy (31 per cent), tired (27 per cent), and unable to concentrate as a result (13 per cent).
To celebrate its 125th year and to help Brits spend more time in the incredible outdoors, The Camping and Caravanning Club are offering grass pitch stays for just £12.50 at selected sites throughout the summer when booked before June 30. For more information on the offer and how you can take part in Re-boot Camp challenge yourself, visit: www.nccw.co.uk.
The research was conducted by market research agency Walr on behalf of The Camping and Caravanning Club. The survey took place between 21-24 April, 2026 and polled a total of 2001 Brits, weighted to be nationally representative based on age, gender and region. All stats adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct based on the ESOMAR principles.
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