BRITS living in cities are feeling out of touch with nature – and some can’t even remember the last time they saw a farm animal.
Around a fifth of city dwellers said they feel disconnected with the natural world, according to a new study of 500 adults living in rural areas and 500 who live in cities.
Simon Jacobs/PinPepAround a fifth of city dwellers said they feel disconnected with the natural world[/caption]
Simon Jacobs/PinPepSome Brits don’t even remember the last time they saw a farm animal[/caption]
Simon Jacobs/PinPep47% of urbanites said they only venture outside to walk to a shop[/caption]
In contrast, just 9% of those living in the countryside experience that feeling.
The number increases to 22% for those people living in London while 47% of urbanites said they only venture outside to walk to a shop and just 22% for sports.
But those in the countryside are outdoors a lot more – specifically for gardening (47%) and to sit and enjoy the views (35%).
The study, carried out by Nestlé UK & Ireland, also found for half of rural residents the nearest outdoor space to their home is within half a mile, with woodlands (58%) and rivers (42%) also in walking distance.
But city dwellers have to travel an average of two miles for the likes of a park (63%), recreation ground (3%) or sports pitch (33%).
This leaves 45% of urbanites longing for more natural beauty where they live and 68% of them believe spending time outdoors improves their mood.
Despite this, 29% haven’t visited the countryside for six months or more.
To help people reconnect with the outdoors, Nestlé UK & Ireland has partnered with First Milk, a regenerative dairy co-operative, to transform a space in Shoreditch, East London into a farm for the day.
Dr Emma Keller, head of sustainability at the food and drink brand said: “It’s a sad reality that so many people in the city feel disconnected from nature, especially when we all understand the benefits it offers both mentally and physically.
“We know how important the countryside is, not just for our mental wellbeing but also how much we depend on it for the food and drink we produce here.
“Getting out of the city and learning about rural agriculture can be difficult.
“That’s why we wanted to bring a piece of the great British farmland for a respite from urban life.
“The immersive ‘Farm Drop’ experience offered the ultimate dose of nature, bringing the serene farmland of Cumbria and Ayrshire – home to the cows that produce the milk for our products – straight to the heart of the city.”
The poll also found that while a fifth of city residents can’t remember the last time they saw livestock, 25% would like to visit a farm to better understand where their food comes from.
Of all adults polled, 47% consider where the ingredients in the products they buy are sourced and 43% care if it’s from British farms.
A further 47% feel food producers should adopt practices which protect nature and the countryside – with 34% more likely to buy items which support this.
The research, carried out via OnePoll, found 64% of all adults believe spending time in nature improves their mood, while 62% said it helps them relax.
City dwellers currently feel overwhelmed by the sound of traffic (36%), lots of people in one place (34%) and rubbish on the pavements (35%).
Mark Booking, chief impact officer at First Milk which has co-launched the Farm Drop to mark its 21-year partnership with Nestlé said: “At its heart, regenerative agriculture is about farming with nature to improve soil health and restore biodiversity.
“We hope the Farm Drop gave visitors a sense of what rural life has to offer.”
Dr Keller added: “We wanted to share our passion for farms and farmers and show people how their morning coffee or sweet treat can support the future of British farming.
“Through the partnership with First Milk, we work hand-in-hand with dairy farmers, blending modern and traditional farming methods to produce millions of litres of fresh milk.
“It goes on to be used in our chocolate bars and coffee, including incentive payments for farmers to work on specific initiatives to protect and enhance the natural assets of their land.”
Simon Jacobs/PinPepNestlé has partnered with First Milk to transform a space in Shoreditch into a farm for the day[/caption]
Simon Jacobs/PinPepThe immersive ‘Farm Drop’ hopes to help people reconnect with the outdoors[/caption]
Simon Jacobs/PinPepOf all adults polled, 47% consider where the ingredients in the products they buy are sourced[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
