Britons keen to spend more time in the country

THE majority of people in Britain want to spend more time in the countryside, but don’t find the opportunity, a new survey has found.

The study of more than 1500 people, carried out by the organisers of the forthcoming National Boat, Caravan & Outdoor Show at the NEC, found that 92 per cent of people want to increase their time in the countryside, with many blaming time-poor lifestyles (56 per cent) and unreliable weather (40 per cent) as barriers.

Up to two million Brits have never visited the countryside.

Show organiser Karen Dodd said: “The good news is that more and more of us are now choosing to holiday at home.”

Outdoor expert Ian Keirle, who is based at the Institute of Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University, said: “Whilst these figures are shocking, they are reflective of our studies about people’s use of the countryside. 

“The British coast and countryside is a wonderful resource, however, research shows that it is the more affluent and mobile sections of society that use the countryside most.”

•    The National Boat, Caravan & Outdoor Show is taking place between 19 and 24 February at the NEC Birmingham.

Visit www.boatandcaravan.co.uk for full details.

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