The UK ‘green city’ where people feel least connected with nature

How long has it been since you watched a sunset, flew a kite, climbed a tree or just sat in the countryside and listened to bird song? Well the UK city with one of the world’s highest percentages of green spaces bizarrely also boasts the most Britons who feel disconnected from nature.

Apart from Oslo, in Norway, it is claimed that Sheffield, in South Yorkshire, has the highest percentage of green space of any city in the world, 61% – thanks to much of it lying within the boundaries of the Peak District National Park. Yet despite having 800 parks and gardens across 4,000 hectares within the city boundary, earning it the moniker “The Outdoor City”, it has been more than two years since some residents did outdoor activities like camping under the stars or taking a long bike ride.

According to the survey of 2,000 people, more than 60% would love to spend more time in nature, and almost three out of four (74%) say modern life impacts their ability to connect with the outdoors.

The data, which lifts the lid on Britons’ strained relationship with the incredible outdoors, also shows that one in six (16%) say they only leave the house to commute to work each day.

In fact, in Sheffield alone, one in three (34%) say they can’t remember the last time they felt mentally refreshed – proving the need to prioritise time outside.

The study, by The Camping and Caravanning Club, revealed the average person hasn’t swum in the sea, been on a countryside walk or seen the sun set for more than a year.

So the club is working alongside Professor Miles Richardson to encourage more people to spend 48 hours in nature as part of their ‘Re-boot Camp’, in celebration of its 125th anniversary year – a two-day, five-activity nature challenge.

Sabina Voysey, director general at The Camping and Caravanning Club said: “It’s surprising how far many of us have drifted from the outdoors – simple pleasures like watching a sunset are becoming all too rare.

“When life gets busy it’s easy to lose those moments but thankfully, it doesn’t take much to start feeling the difference again as just a little time outdoors can help us slow down and reset.

“That’s what Re-boot Camp is all about – challenging people to step away for 48 hours, switch off properly, and rediscover just how good being in nature can feel.”

The study shows Britons spend barely any time in nature.

According to the data, 18% of people from Sheffield claim to ‘never feel connected to nature’, ahead of Leicester, Norwich and Cardiff (13%).

Despite more than three-quarters (76%) saying they need a mental reset from modern life, people in Sheffield spend more than the average amount of time on their phones per week than Brits generally (28 hours vs. 21 hours nationwide).

On the flip side, almost two thirds (63%) say they would love to spend more time in nature.

Despite spending so little time outdoors, when they do, people from the northern city say nature makes them feel refreshed (67%), happy (61%) and healthy (54%).

Across the UK, Brits spend an average of 84 minutes a day in the open air, with 69 per cent saying their lack of time outside is affecting their mental and physical health.

Millennials are the age group that feel modern life is impacting their ability to connect with nature the most (89 per cent), while also being the most in need of a reset from modern life (85 per cent).

They are closely followed by Gen Z and Gen X (both 78 per cent), who are also struggling to connect with nature (87 per cent and 80 per cent, respectively).

* 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.

For more information on the offer and how you can take part in Re-boot Camp challenge yourself, visit: www.nccw.co.uk.