MOST of us have fond childhood memories of the great outdoors, but as grown-ups, many of us are barely stepping outside.
Almost half of UK adults now spend just three hours or less outdoors each week according to a new poll commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts.
The survey found that while 87 per cent of people in the North West recalled positive childhood experiences outside, 41 per cent now spend just three hours or less outdoors each week.
Dom Higgins, head of health and education at The Wildlife Trusts, said: "At face value it was hard not to be alarmed by the number of people who spend so little time outdoors – but we need to factor in that not everyone has easy access to natural environments.
"On the flip side, town parks featured strongly in happy childhood memories and this is incredibly reassuring as our precious urban green spaces can offer both access to nature and a strong sense of community and belonging.
"Being outdoors in nature has so much joy to offer us all – fresh air, sunlight, birdsong and so many proven health benefits.
"And the more time people spend outdoors appreciating nature, the more likely they are to help protect it."
Nearly two-thirds (59 per cent) of people in the North West said they spent more than half of their childhood outdoors.
Of those surveyed, 66 per cent said that reflecting on these memories made them more likely to reconnect with nature as adults.
A total of 83 per cent of parents said they wanted to encourage their own children to have more natural childhoods.
The Wildlife Trusts hope to tap into these positive memories to inspire adults to spend more time outside.
They are inviting people to 'rewild your inner child' by taking part in the 30 Days Wild challenge this June.
Mr Higgins said: "We’re urging people to spend a few minutes recalling a childhood memory of being outside and then to venture outdoors and experience nature once more.
"Taking a moment this June to rewild yourself can be as simple as stopping for a few deep breaths at your local park, scattering wildflower seeds in your garden or window box, or lying on the ground looking up through the trees to the birds above."
Thirty Days Wild has attracted more than three million participants across the UK and, with thanks to players of the Postcode Lottery, has helped people to enjoy and connect with nature for over a decade.
This year, The Wildlife Trusts have teamed up with Acamar Films and Bing to create a new range of activity resources for young children.
The 30 Days Wild challenge is supported by free activity packs, wildflower seeds, guides and community events for all ages.
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