Children today 'spend just HALF the time their parents did' playing outside
CHILDREN today spend half the time their parents did playing outside, a survey suggests.
Nine out of 10 parents would prefer their kids to spend their childhood outdoors
While more than four-fifths (83 per cent) of parents questioned for the poll thought it was important their children learned to use technology, nine out of 10 would prefer them to spend their childhood outdoors developing a connection with nature.
Almost all (96 per cent) of the 1,001 parents with children aged between four and 14 quizzed for the National Trust thought it was important their youngsters had a connection with nature and thought playing outdoors was important for their development.
The research found on average children were playing outside for just over four hours a week, compared to 8.2 hours a week when the adults questioned were children.
The Trust has a list of 50 things for children to do before they turn 11 and three-quarters to get them engaging with the outdoors, including climbing a tree, building a den, playing pooh sticks, hunting for bugs and going stargazing.
And it is championing the humble stick as the "must have" toy to inspire children's imaginations and creative play.
Musician and Game Of Thrones star Raleigh Ritchie, who plays Grey Worm in the hit series, has teamed up with the National Trust for the campaign. he has written a rap hailing the things children can do and find outside, such as sticks, which can be anything from a magic wand to an archery bow.
He said: "For some people, a stick is just a stick. However, I want to encourage young people to see that actually the possibilities are endless.
"It can be a pen, a sword, a witch's broom, a dragon's bone... anything.
"That's what childhood should be about - getting outdoors and going on adventures, using your imagination to customise the world you see and feeding that appetite for fresh air and fun."
Parents thought it was important their youngsters had a connection with nature
Child psychologist Dr Sam Wass said being outside encouraged children to play in a very different way from being inside with computers or TV, making them use their imagination and creativity much more.
National Trust ranger Ed Anderson said: "This summer, we want to inspire kids and families all over the country to get outdoors, grab their perfect stick and kick start their story with nature.
"With so many adventures to be had right on your doorstep, there's no better way to start a meaningful relationship with the natural world.
"With the natural environment under pressure, we hope that instilling a love for nature in our children now will help us encourage them to continue to protect the beauty of the great outdoors for years and generations to come."
Camp out in the wild is number 3 on the list
HERE IS THE NATIONAL TRUST'S LIST OF 50 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU ARE 11 AND THREE-QUARTERS:
1. Climb a tree
2. Roll down a really big hill
3. Camp out in the wild
4. Build a den
5. Skim a stone
6. Run around in the rain
7. Fly a kite
8. Catch a fish with a net
9. Eat an apple straight from a tree
10. Play conkers
Children should also learn how to make daisy chains
11. Go on a really long bike ride
12. Make a trail with sticks
13. Make a mud pie
14. Dam a stream
15. Play in the snow
16. Make a daisy chain
17. Set up a snail race
18. Create some wild art
19. Play pooh sticks
20. Jump over waves
Visiting a farm is among the things a child should do before turning 11 and half
21. Pick blackberries growing in the wild
22. Explore inside a tree
23. Visit a farm
24. Go on a walk barefoot
25. Make a grass trumpet
26. Hunt for fossils and bones
27. Go stargazing
28. Climb a huge hill
29. Explore a cave
30. Hold a scary beast
All kids should know the feeling of catching a naughty crab
31. Hunt for bugs
32. Find some frogspawn
33. Catch a falling leaf
34. Track wild animals
35. Discover what's in a pond
36. Make a home for a wild animal
37. Check out the crazy creatures in a rock pool
38. Bring up a butterfly
39. Catch a crab
40. Go on a nature walk at night
A great skill to learn when you're young: how to ride a horse
41. Plant it, grow it, eat it
42. Go swimming in the sea
43. Build a raft
44. Go bird watching
45. Find your way with a map and compass
46. Try rock climbing
47. Cook on a campfire
48. Learn to ride a horse
49. Find a geocache
50. Canoe down a river