Trust plea as Britons to go wild at end of lockdown

BRITONS are being urged to protect the UK’S wild spaces as they look forward to a summer in the great outdoors.

Almost 70 per cent of adults said they were looking forward to a walk in nature over the warmer months, with 46% saying they could not wait to kick off their shoes for a barefoot stroll.

A survey for the National Trust found the public’s renewed appreciation of nature and the simple pleasures it brings will continue once lockdown restrictions are eased.

The Yougov poll of 2,193 adults found 46% were looking forward to going on a day trip to the countryside with their family, while 42% said they would enjoy a picnic in a green space.

The survey found the nation’s favourite summer scents are freshly cut grass at 29%, with the smell of the sea, flowers, summer rain and barbecues all coming second at 13%.

With most people expected to holiday in the UK this year, the Trust is calling on everyone spending time in nature to care for it by binning their litter or taking it home with them.

Celia Richardson, of the National Trust, said: “We know how popular walking is for all age groups. We look forward to welcoming people as they enjoy the hundreds of walks across our landscapes, woodland, trails and coastal paths.”