Research shows that three-quarters of UK children want to spend more time in nature Society

More than three-quarters (76%) of UK children want to spend more time in nature and more than half (56%) want better access to green spaces. The data is part of a survey of 1,000 young people aged 7 to 14 and 1,000 fathers and mothers by conservation organization the National Trust and children's newspaper First News.

The research also demonstrated that nearly two-thirds (63%) of those responsible could only take their children to eco-areas once a week. They cited accessibility as a key barrier.

In addition, four in five (80%) parents agree that authorities should ensure that children are no more than a 15-minute walk from these places, making it a law.

It is worth noting that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised this in January 2023 as part of wider plans for access to nature. However, in December, The Guardian published documents that showed the local government had no intention of meeting the target.

The Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) announced last year was required by the Environment Act and aims to translate into policy the pledge to “improve the environment within a generation and leave it behind” in the 25-year environmental plan established in 2018. Better condition than we found.”

Then Environment Minister Therese Coffey said at the time: “I am particularly pleased with this plan to have access to green or blue space within 15 minutes' walk of everyone's home – through parks, canals, rivers, countryside or countryside. Beach”.

Nature England, a managing public body funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), is developing a methodology for the scheme based on straight walking routes rather than tax distances.

Benefits for all

National Trust said Guardian The research was commissioned to show the disparity between access to green spaces and public demand for them. “The benefits of ensuring access to nature are clear, but access to it is uneven. We want to see the biggest improvement in access to urban green spaces since Victorian times,” emphasized Hilary McGrady, director general of the organisation.

He added: “Research shows that if children and young people are allowed to interact with nature from an early age, they will grow to care about the natural world and take action to protect it.”

Nicky Cox, editor of First News, says areas of contact with nature are important for everyone because they provide important benefits such as improving physical and mental health, improving social interaction and supporting the surrounding biodiversity. “Connecting children to nature isn't just about exploring the outdoors, it's about fostering their curiosity, resilience and sense of wonder, and laying the foundation for a sustainable and empathetic future.”