Research: 76 percent of children in the UK want to spend more time in nature
A study conducted in the United Kingdom has revealed that more than three-quarters of children in the country want to spend more time in nature.
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England and Scotland's natural heritage conservation organization "National Trust," in collaboration with the children's newspaper First News, conducted a survey in February through Censuswide, involving 1,000 children aged 7 to 14 and 1,000 parents.
76 percent of the children who participated in the survey stated that they want to spend more time in nature, while 56 percent expressed a desire for better access to nature.
The survey noted that 63 percent of parents are only able to take their children to natural areas once a week or less, with "difficulty of access" cited as the primary reason for this.
'GREEN SPACE' DEMAND
In the survey, 80 percent of parents shared the view that the government should ensure there are green spaces within a maximum 15-minute walk from where children live.
The National Trust has called on the government to fulfill this request from parents.
Research shows that time spent in nature provides significant benefits to children's lung health, the strengthening of bone structure, and their psychology.
According to official data, 38 percent of the population lives more than a 15-minute walk away from a green space, lake, river, or the sea.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced in January 2023 that everyone should live within a maximum of 15 minutes of green space, but documents revealed by The Guardian in December showed that the government had no intention of meeting this target.