One third of Scots get daily dose of nature during lockdown
MORE than one in three Scots got a daily dose of nature under lockdown compared with just over one in five before, according to a new report by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
The first comprehensive, independent survey of Scots’ relationship with nature during lockdown found that the number visiting the outdoors to enjoy nature and stay healthy every day rose from 22 per cent pre-pandemic to 34% in the initial period of lockdown between March 23 to May 28. It found that more than two thirds of Scots (71%) got outside at least once a week, up from 59%.
The results also show how Scots, concerned about their wellbeing, are turning to nature as they recover from the coronavirus crisis.
SNH yesterday launched a new campaign, Make Space for Nature, to encourage people to continue to include nature in their lives.
Of the 1,000 adults surveyed in Scotland, 70% cited health as a motivator for getting outdoors.
More than one in three people (35%) specifically referenced managing stress as a reason for exercising outdoors, while 63% of those stated their experiences had helped them de-stress, relax and unwind, and 58% felt energised and revitalised.
The report also shows that 89% of outdoor visitors took regular local walks – an increase from 77% – and around 20% ran or cycled, around four times as many as previously (5%).
SNH Chief Executive Francesca Osowska linked the heightened importance of nature to recovery from Covid-19. She said: “Nature is at the heart of our emergence from this crisis. The results from this survey reinforce just how important nature is for all of us, both physically through exercising and emotionally for our mental health.
“During lockdown, activities such as noticing birds and wildlife, and the change in seasons, were relatively high, even among those who rarely or never visited the outdoors.
“These people have made an important first step in loving nature and experiencing all the benefits. We want to help them keep it up.”
Levels of participation in nature-focused activities increased significantly during lockdown. Many relaxed in their garden
(62%), took part in gardening (42%), enjoyed wildlife in their garden (36%) and enjoyed watching wildlife from indoors through a window (30%).
SNH said it was keen to encourage and support Scots to develop their interest, learn more and get involved in nature.
The Make Space for Nature campaign aims to capitalise on the renewed interest in nature and getting outdoors.
It encourages people to continue with their daily walk or a mindful minute to listen to birdsong, and soak in the colours, scents and sounds of the summer season.
It also suggests giving something back through nature volunteering on events such as beach cleans or wildflower planting; or contributing to nature surveys and submitting sightings of birds, frogs and butterflies.
Other “top tips” to help nature thrive include building a pond; swapping pollinator-friendly plant cuttings with friends; and “learning to love weeds”, many of which, such as dandelions, provide an important source for pollinators.
Ms Osowska added:
“These survey results and the enthusiastic response to the Make Space for Nature campaign gives us confidence that Scotland is well placed to reverse the decline in diversity of animal and plant species in Scotland.
“As the need for nature is ever more apparent, the way Scotland recovers from Covid-19 could be one important way we secure a nature rich future for generations to come.”
The report, “Enjoying the outdoors: Outdoor visit behaviour and engagement with nature in Scotland during the Coronavirus lockdown”, was produced in association with Scottish Forestry, Cairngorms National Park Authority and Paths for All.