TV host Chris Packham urges Brits to go camping

TV wildlife presenter Chris Packham has urged Britons to disconnect their electronic devices and get out camping.

The Springwatch host spoke out after a new survey revealed half of the population rarely spend time with their loved ones without having their phone, tablet or computer on standby.

Two thirds of people questioned in the survey for Camping In The Forest say they don’t have time to connect with the outdoors.

Packham said people should leave their technology at home and reconnect with nature.

“Britain boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the world, which people travel far and wide to see, so it is a travesty that British people aren’t making the most of it," he said.

“Our message is simple; turn the computer off, leave the phone at home, and get camping – not only will it help you reconnect with your loved ones and nature, but you’ll be sure to create memories that’ll last a lifetime and will never be forgotten.”

The main findings in the survey are:

• 50% of Brits admit they hardly ever spend time with their family or partner without their phone, tablet or computer on standby.
• 84% wish they could go back to the “good old days” when life was simpler and they were happier.
• 27% believe technology means people don’t talk as much as they used to
• 21% say technology means we have lost the art of chatting and building proper relationships
• One in five Brits have never been camping and 40% haven’t been for years
• 95% of people think it’s important to spend time outdoors, connecting with Mother Nature – but 66% say they simply don’t have time to do it.

Camping In The Forest is a joint venture between the Forestry Commission and the Camping and Caravanning Club and has 16 sites in forest locations across the UK.

FOR MORE INSPIRATION ON PLACES TO CAMP SEE THE SPECIAL 100 AWESOME SITES JUNE ISSUE OF CAMPING MAGAZINE

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