British Olympian Urges Brits to Embrace Nature This Winter
British Olympian Lizzy Yarnold is advocating for a deeper connection with nature this winter. The skeleton gold medallist describes nature as her “happy place” and encourages others to embrace the outdoors.
Research Highlights Britons’ Lack of Outdoor Activity
A recent study conducted by OnePoll.com uncovered that many adults lack experience in outdoor activities. A survey of 2,000 participants revealed key facts about their engagement with nature.
- 79% of respondents have never been outdoor ice skating.
- 79% also have not tried skiing or snowboarding.
- Commonly untried activities included wild swimming, winter camping, and trail running.
- 33% of adults admitted to “hibernating” during winter months.
Rise to Action with “Dear Nature” Campaign
This research was commissioned by Corona Cero, the first-ever non-alcoholic beer sponsor of the Olympic Winter Games, for their “Dear Nature” initiative. The campaign features Lizzy Yarnold alongside other athletes, aiming to inspire communities to step outdoors.
Yarnold stated, “Nature has been by my side throughout my life.” She hopes to motivate the public to engage with nature, similar to how Team GB will experience the winter games in Milano-Cortina.
Benefits of Embracing Nature
Despite reservations about going outside, some benefits were highlighted in the survey results:
- 30% of individuals reported feeling refreshed after outdoor exposure.
- 15% noted an increase in relaxation after spending time in nature.
The most popular outdoor activities included walks in local neighborhoods (29%), exploring woodlands (18%), and visits to the coast (10%).
A Call to Action
Jessica McGeorge-Stevens, a spokesperson for Corona Cero, emphasized the importance of spending time outdoors. She commented, “Through ‘Dear Nature,’ we aim to inspire the nation to celebrate every moment outside, regardless of the season.”
Top Outdoor Activities Britons Haven’t Tried
| Activity | Percentage of People Who Haven’t Tried |
|---|---|
| Ice baths | |
| Trail running | |
| Winter camping | |
| Skiing/snowboarding | |
| Outdoor ice skating | |
| Wild swimming | |
| Mountain biking | |
| Kayaking/canoeing | |
| Pony trekking/horse riding | |
| Fishing | |
| Sledging | |
| Bird watching | |
| Stargazing | |
| Al fresco dining | |
| Hiking | |
| Skimmed stones on a lake | |
| Running | |
| Sunset watching | |
| Visited a nature reserve | |
| Dog walking |
As winter unfolds, Lizzy Yarnold’s message resonates: it’s time for the people of Britain to embrace nature and all its benefits.
