RSPB
Get outdoors

Get outdoors

Jumping in puddles, kicking up leaves, and listening to birds singing from the tops of trees.

These simple things can make a busy week feel better and brighten most moods.

However, it's a sad fact that people don't get outdoors much these days, and kids could be missing out on these experiences.

This is a problem because people won't protect what they don't know and love.

We've been working with the University of Essex to develop a brand new approach to find out just how connected to nature children are. The results will help us create a baseline measure for the UK and allow us to develop ways to inspire and connect children with nature right through to adulthood.

But why should they have all the fun?

No matter how old you are, take our quick survey and find out your connection to nature. At the end we'll suggest some simple and fun ways for you to get outdoors and explore the world around you.

How connected are you?

Take our quick survey to find out how connected to nature you are. It only takes a couple of minutes.

Step 1 - not far to go
Definitely not me Doesn't sound like me Not sure Sounds like me Definitely me
I like to hear different sounds in nature
I like to see wild flowers in nature
When I feel sad, I like to go outside and enjoy nature
Being in the natural environment makes me feel peaceful
I like to see wild animals living in a clean environment
Step 2 - about half way
Definitely not me Doesn't sound like me Not sure Sounds like me Definitely me
I like to garden
I feel sad when wild animals are hurt
Collecting rocks and shells is fun
I enjoy touching animals and plants
Taking care of animals is important to me
Humans are part of the natural world
Step 3 - nearly there
Definitely not me Doesn't sound like me Not sure Sounds like me Definitely me
People cannot live without plants and animals
Being outdoors makes me happy
My actions will make the natural world different
Picking up trash on the ground can help the environment
People do not have the right to change the natural environment
Step 4 - all done
Postal Sector (required)
e.g SG19
Gender Female Male
Taking part as a school? Yes No

Your connection to nature

There are loads of simple and fun ways to connect with nature.

Find out what you can do if you're an egg, a caterpillar, a chrysalis, emerging, or a butterfly.

Our partners

We're grateful for the support of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and University of Essex in supporting our research into measuring children's connection to nature.

The questionnaire is based on research originally undertaken by Judith Cheng and Martha Monroe and published in the journal Environment and Behavior in January 2012.

We're also part of the Natural Childhood Partnership - an exciting movement to bring about real change in the relationship between young people and nature.

The best bits

Families share their favourite reasons for getting outside

Today, one of the biggest impacts that we are seeing on children who don't get outside and connect with nature is that they are having a sedentary experience and spending large portions of their time isolated in front of a screen. Getting out in nature provides lots of opportunities to feel connected with their environment but also to play, which is an essential component to children feeling happy and healthy.

Emma Kenny, psychologist and television presenter

Share your photos

Show us what getting outdoors means to you.

To see your photos here, simply tag your photos on Flickr, Instagram and our online Community with #getoutdoors

What you're saying

Whatever you're doing to get outdoors, instantly involve us. Simply tag your tweets #getoutdoors and make us jealous.

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