The average Brit hasn’t been on a countryside walk or seen the sun set for more than a year, showing the nation’s disconnection from nature
Thursday 21st May 2026
A new study has lifted the lid on Brits’ strained relationship with the incredible outdoors and shows we 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) whilst a further one in ten (12 per cent) haven’t felt mentally refreshed in over six months.
And whilst we 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, the study shows Brits are spending 22 hours a week watching television and 21 hours a week scrolling through their 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. Worryingly, only 11 per cent say they have felt connected with the outdoors in the last year.
Demanding jobs are also taking their toll, according to the survey of 2,000 Brits. 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 who are working alongside Professor Miles Richardson to encourage Brits to spend 48 hours in nature as part of their Re-boot Camp.
The two have collaborated to design the Re-boot Camp, a 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.
Professor Richardson said: “Evidence shows that simple engagement with nature can support our wellbeing. 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 Brit, 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.
Sabina Voysey, Director General at The Camping and Caravanning Club, adds to this, saying: “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.
“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.”
Three in four respondents (75 per cent) are now pleading for a reset from modern life with seven in ten (69 per cent) saying their lack of time outside is affecting their mental and physical health.
Sabina adds: “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.
We want to give people the chance to step away for 48 hours, switch off properly, and rediscover just how rewarding time in the outdoors can be.”
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. For more information on the offer and how you can take part in Re-boot Camp challenge yourself, visit: www.nccw.co.uk.
THE TOP TEN CITIES THAT NEVER FEEL CONNECTED TO NATURE:
Sheffield – 18 per cent
Leicester – 13 per cent
Norwich – 13 per cent
Cardiff – 13 per cent
Newcastle – 12 per cent
Bristol – 12 per cent
Birmingham – 11 per cent
Glasgow – 11 per cent
Leeds – 9 per cent
Cambridge – 9 per cent
London – 9 per cent
York – 9 per cent
HOW LONG SINCE BRITS DID THINGS OUTSIDE?
Gone on a horse ride - 1 year and 10 months
Gone fishing - 1 year 9 months
Flown a kite - 1 year and 9 months
Climbed a tree -1 year and 8 months
Been on a long bike ride - 1 year and 8 months
Gone camping - 1 year and 7 months
Built a sandcastle - 1 year and 7 months
Playing games - rounders, football, cricket - 1 year and 6 months
Swam in the sea - 1 year and 5 months
Walked bare foot on grass -1 year and 5 months
Listened to the birds singing - 1 year and 4 months
Cooked outside - 1 year and 4 months
Seen the sun rise - 1 year and 3 months
Enjoyed stargazing - 1 year and 3 months
Gone on a countryside walk - 1 year and 3 months
Seen the sun set - 1 year and 3 months
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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Notes for Editors
- The Camping and Caravanning Club is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2026. The Club remains committed to inspiring the camper in everyone and currently represents the interests of 572,000 members.
- The Club has delivered a high NPS score this year of 81% across its Club Site network and 90% for its Service Centre.
- Club members receive up to 30% off every Club Site stay and get exclusive access to privately run, smaller sites.
- Get involved: for the latest news, information and inspiration from The Camping and Caravanning Club, and to engage with those who’ve enjoyed holidays with the Club, visit www.facebook.com/campandcaravanning, www.instagram.com/campandcaravan and www.youtube.com/@campandcaravanning.