A significant portion of the adult population in the United Kingdom has never experienced fundamental outdoor activities such as wild swimming or watching a sunset, according to recent research. The study, which surveyed 2,000 adults, uncovers a widespread gap in nature-based engagement, with many missing out on simple pleasures and adventurous pursuits alike.
Common Outdoor Activities Yet to Be Tried
The poll revealed that millions of Brits have not attempted wild swimming, winter camping, or sunset watching. Other activities that remain untried by a large number include skimming stones on a lake and sledging in the snow. Notably, 79 per cent of respondents have never been outdoor ice skating, and the same percentage have not experienced skiing or snowboarding.
Additional Nature-Based Pursuits
Trail running, hiking, and stargazing are also among the nature-based activities that many adults have yet to explore. This lack of engagement suggests a broader trend of disconnection from the natural world, particularly during the colder months.
Winter Hibernation and Reluctance
The study found that a third of adults, approximately 33 per cent, admitted to essentially hibernating during winter. This seasonal withdrawal is compounded by the fact that 43 per cent believe leaving the house in winter is more effort than it is worth, according to data from OnePoll.com.
Benefits of Venturing Out
Despite this reluctance, the research highlights positive outcomes for those who do brave the elements. Thirty per cent of participants reported feeling refreshed after spending time in nature during winter, while 15 per cent felt more relaxed. These findings underscore the potential mental and physical benefits of outdoor activity, even in less favourable weather conditions.
Preferred Winter Weather and Activities
When it comes to winter weather, 37 per cent of respondents described the perfect conditions as featuring blue skies and a crisp feel, indicating a dislike for clouds and rain. For those who do venture outside, the most popular activity is a walk around their local neighbourhood or park, chosen by 29 per cent. Exploring local woodlands follows at 18 per cent, with heading to the coast at 10 per cent.
Campaign to Inspire Outdoor Engagement
The study was commissioned by Corona Cero, the first non-alcoholic beer sponsor of the Olympic Winter Games, as part of its Dear Nature campaign. This initiative, described as a poetic ode to nature, aims to encourage communities to disconnect from winter routines and embrace the outdoors.
Olympic Athlete Involvement
In partnership with skeleton double gold-medallist Lizzy Yarnold and British Olympians Matt Weston, Billy Major, and Katie Ormerod, the campaign features a video inviting people to come out of hibernation. Lizzy Yarnold shared, "Nature has been by my side throughout my life as an athlete, from when I first stood on a snowy slope as a little girl to standing on top of the Olympic podium. I hope this film acts as inspiration to the whole nation to step outside and embrace nature in the same way that the Team will in Milano-Cortina this winter."
Brand Perspective
Jessica McGeorge-Stevens, a spokesperson for Corona Cero, commented, "As a brand born in nature, Corona exists to remind us our best lives are lived outside, whether that's on the beach or in the mountains, but we are spending more of our time inside than ever before. Through 'Dear Nature,' we are heroing our athletes' unique relationship with the outdoors to inspire the nation to come out of hibernation and celebrate every golden moment regardless of the season."
Top 20 Outdoor Activities Brits Haven't Tried
- Ice baths
- Trail running
- Winter camping
- Skiing/snowboarding
- Outdoor ice skating
- Wild swimming
- Mountain biking
- Kayaking/canoeing
- Pony trekking/horse riding
- Fishing
- Sledging
- Bird watching
- Stargazing
- Al fresco dining
- Hiking
- Skimmed stones on a lake
- Running
- Sunset watching
- Visited a nature reserve
- Dog walking
This comprehensive list illustrates the diverse range of activities that many adults in the UK have yet to experience, pointing to opportunities for increased engagement with the natural environment throughout the year.
