Is THIS the death of the seaside? Most Brits have not swam in the sea for a YEAR and prefer to stare at a beach through their screens, according to new study

By SOPHIA STANFORD, NEWS REPORTER Published: 21:47, 21 May 2026 | Updated: 21:47, 21 May 2026 The average Brit hasn't been on a countryside walk, seen the sun set or swum in the sea for more than a year. That's according to new study which has revealed Brits' strained relationship with the great outdoors, with almost a fifth claiming to leave the house only for their commute. The research further found that the average Brit had not swum in the ocean for a year and five months, gone on a rural walk or even seen the sun go down for a year and three months. But in comparison, the general population would instead spend on average 22 hours a week watching television and 21 hours a week scrolling through their phones. Shockingly, seven per cent of the 2000 respondents said they would rather watch nature through a screen than experience it for themselves. Meanwhile, nearly one in 10 added that they have never felt truly connected to nature. Almost the same amount of people then said they had felt connected with the outdoors in the last year, with only 12 per cent feeling mentally refreshed in the last six months. For the average Brit, it's also been more than a year since they've slowed down and walked bare foot on the grass, listened to the sound of birds signing, enjoyed taking a moment to gaze at the stars or saw the sun rise.  The average Brit hasn't been on a countryside walk, seen the sun set or swum in the sea for more than a year, according to a recent study Demanding jobs are also taking their toll, according to the survey commissioned by The Camping and Caravanning Club who are working alongside Professor Miles Richardson. The average employee claims to be working 10 hours and 20 minutes a week more than they're contracted, with 43 per cent saying lack of time is the primary reason why they're not spending more time outside in nature. And one in 10 say they're just too busy to even notice the world around them on a day-to-day basis.  But despite our lack of engagement, seven in 10 said they would like to spend more time in the natural world, with a quarter saying 'they can't remember' the last time they felt mentally refreshed. Millennials are the age group that feel modern life is impacting their ability to connect with nature the most (89%), with Gen Z (87%) and then Gen X (80%). Those aged 30-44 also feel the biggest need for a reset from modern life (85%), compared more than three quarters (78%) of both Gen Z and Gen X. The study was jointly commissioned to encourage Brits to take part in a 'Re-boot camp', a two-day nature challenge, designed to provide a mental reset. Professor Richardson said: 'Evidence shows that simple engagement with nature can support our well being.  'A 48-hour reboot provides space to re-tune and rediscover moments of connection with the rest of nature.  'When we tune in to birdsong, sunlight harboured by leaves, or the simple feel of air we allow nature to help manage our emotions and restore our resources. 'The nation needs a reset - stepping away from notifications, routines and distractions to rediscover moments with nature.'   Sabina Voysey, Director General at The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: 'It's surprising how far many of us have drifted from the outdoors - simple moments like watching a sunset or just spending time outside are becoming all too rare. 'It's no wonder people are craving a reset. Time outdoors has a powerful way of helping us slow down, breathe a little deeper and feel more like ourselves again.' She added: 'With busy schedules and constant screen time, it's easy to lose touch with nature and with how good it makes us feel.' Gone on a horse ride - 1 year and 10 months Flown a kite - 1 year and 9 months Climbed a tree -1 year and 8 months Been on a long bike ride - 1 year and 8 months Gone camping - 1 year and 7 months Built a sandcastle - 1 year and 7 months Playing games - rounders, football, cricket - 1 year and 6 months Swam in the sea - 1 year and 5 months Walked bare foot on grass -1 year and 5 months Listened to the birds singing - 1 year and 4 months Cooked outside - 1 year and 4 months Seen the sun rise - 1 year and 3 months Enjoyed stargazing - 1 year and 3 months Gone on a countryside walk - 1 year and 3 months Seen the sun set - 1 year and 3 months No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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