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U.K. young suffering from 'nature starvation'
January 11, 2010
REUTERS NEWS AGENCY
Young people in Britain are increasingly missing out on the stress-relieving benefits of spending time in nature, the U.K.'s largest wildlife conservation charity said last week.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said it uncovered a worrying trend of "nature starvation" among young Britons when it conducted a study to find out just how important it is for people to connect with the natural world.
The survey of 1,000 people found that only about a third (37 per cent) of people under 35 feel connected to the natural world, compared with more than half (55 per cent) of those aged over 35.
People who grow up with regular access to the natural world often find it therapeutic, feel better mentally and physically, and continue enjoying visits to nature reserves, parks and forests all their lives, the society said.
Such people would also try to introduce family members to these trips, too.
"These results are worrying," society president Kate Humble said. "If a child hasn't ever got their hands dirty sifting though soil for bugs, kicked up leaves or been wowed by a cute baby bird, how can we expect them to care about the natural world?"
Toronto Star
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