Children ignorant about natural world

A fifth of British children have never climbed a tree or been to a farm, according to a survey released yesterday, revealing how out of touch youngsters are with the countryside.

The poll of 2,000 eight- to 12-year-olds found how little time children were spending outside – and how their knowledge of nature was suffering as a result.

Almost a fifth (18 per cent) were unaware that a dock leaf can relieve the sting of a nettle, more than a quarter did not know what happens to a bee after it stings you and just under half (45 per cent) did not realise there were poisonous snakes in the UK.

The latest survey to reveal children’s lack of knowledge about nature found a quarter (26 per cent) did not know horse chestnut trees produced conkers and more than a fifth (21 per cent) were unable to name the tree that produces acorns.

Many were ignorant about natural phenomena including the rotation of the planet, tides and when birds nest – and one in 10 even thought cows hibernated, according to the results of the poll.

The survey also highlighted how little time some youngsters spend in the great outdoors, with two fifths having never camped in a tent and 28 per cent saying they have not been on a country walk with their family in the last year.

More than a third (36 per cent) play outside only once a week or less, and an overwhelm-ing majority watch more TV on a weekly basis than play outside, according to the research for Eden channel’s Eden Inspires campaign to encourage families to spend time with nature.

A fifth of the eight- to 12-year-olds questioned have never climbed a tree and two-fifths have only done so a handful of times in their lives, the poll found.

Adrian Wills, channel head for Eden, said: “This study shows how far children have become removed from nature and the inspiration that comes from being outdoors.

“Our Eden Inspires campaign will help children across the UK to re-engage with nature and we hope that, by teaming up with Ben Fogle, the next generation will learn to appreciate the excitement of nature on their doorstep.”

The campaign by the TV channel is inviting families to spend a day with nature and then share their experience online at exploreeden.co.uk.

The top five entrants and family members will get to spend a day and night in the Forest of Dean at Base Camp Eden with presenter Mr Fogle to experience nature hands on.