Londoners are the most detached from nature in the UK, survey reveals

As it's revealed that 44% of us have no idea what a Kingfisher looks like, Springwatch presenter Chris Packham is on a mission to get more Londoners into the great outdoors
When was the last time you went on a country walk?
Rex
Liz Connor15 July 2016

Springwatch presenter Chris Packham has made a plea for city dwellers to reconnect with the Great British countryside after it was revealed that more than one third of Londoners couldn’t identify an oak tree.

A recent survey by Camping in the Forest, found that Londoners are the worst when it comes to recognising some of the most common species in of wildlife in the country, with a shocking 44% having no idea what a Kingfisher looks like.

But that’s hardly surprising really, considering that 14% of us admitted to only leaving the city once every six months to enjoy the countryside and of those that do, 63% headed straight for the nearest pub.

“The British countryside is amongst the most picturesque in the world,” Chris Packham told The Evening Standard, “with a plethora of marvellous creatures for us to discover in the national parks, forests and stunning areas of coastline on our doorsteps.

“But millions of us are avoiding rural areas altogether because we say we don’t have time or worse – are ‘put off by the narrow roads, lack of light or animal smells’”

Springwatch presenter Chris Packham 

Packham is now on a mission to encourage Brits to get out of The Big Smoke, particularly as it was revealed that more than half of us have chosen a life in a city.

Experts are also predicting that by 2050, the number will be seven out of 10.

Bucket list desitinations in the UK

1/9

Bewildered Londoners - in statistics 

More than one third couldn’t identify an oak tree

Almost half (43.5%) couldn’t identify a Kingfisher

One third couldn’t identify a Dragonfly

99% couldn’t identify a Hawfinch

Only 6% identified a Buzzard

76% couldn’t identify Heather

Only 14% could identify a Dung Beetle

He says: “Not only does this disconnection with nature mean we are ignoring and therefore not looking after our wildlife, but it also means we’re neglecting our own wellbeing by missing out on the fresh air and open spaces available to us.”

So if you've been suffering from a dose of Brexit blues, particularly after it was revealed that the cost of leaving the EU would add an extra £200 to the average holiday, then a cheap and cheerful trip into the country might be just the ticket to escape your woes.

Pack a tent, dig out your walking boots and reconnect with nature. Just try not to be too alarmed when your iPhone runs out of battery.

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