CSO Outdoors survey: Pandemic inspired greater love for nature

While debates about sea swimming and dry robes regularly made the airwaves during the pandemic, hillwalking was the outdoor pursuit that most people took up during the Covid-19 era, according to new research.

A Central Statistics Office (CSO) study examining how the health emergency recast peoples’ relationship with the great outdoors found that, of five activities measured, 26 per cent of people took up hillwalking, 24 per cent took up hiking and running, followed by cycling (22 per cent) and sea swimming (21 per cent).

More than half of the respondents to the Pulse Survey, launched in April, reported spending more time out of the house than they used to, even if it just was just going for a walk.

While many developed a greater appreciation for outdoor life, a vast majority (more than 80 per cent) said there was insufficient green space and biodiversity in urban areas.

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“During the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions, many of us were forced to re-examine our relationship with the outdoors,” said CSO statistician Sylvie Clappe. “For some, time spent in the blue and green natural spaces surrounding our homes was essential to our physical and mental wellbeing. However, others might have found it difficult to spend time outdoors.”

The Our Lives Outdoors research, published on Monday, was part of the third online CSO Pulse Survey. Part of the broader Take Part Campaign, it gathered 9,346 responses, although the findings are not generalised for the entire population as answers are not randomly chosen. The poll covers time spent and activities pursued in natural spaces. It also captures insights into concerns about environment issues and involvement in addressing them.

Of those who spent time in natural spaces over the past six months, 97 per cent felt healthier and 93 per cent felt happier as a result. The study found that one in three people took up new outdoor activities.

Almost all respondents (98 per cent) liked to spend time outdoors with 87 per cent of those saying they used the time to get fresh air and 85 per cent simply to enjoy nature. More than 90 per cent had access to a garden and 34 per cent had started at least one new gardening activity since the start of the pandemic.

As to environmental concerns, the study showed almost 60 per cent of participants were concerned about climate change and water pollution. And while more than half thought there was still time to act to combat the worst effects, they believed this was unlikely to happen. For mitigation, more than 60 per cent of respondents said they had reduced their home heating during the winter, and more than half their use of water.