Get out during the winter - just remember your coats
Britons plan to spend just one hour a day outdoors this autumn with many adopting the hibernation traits of animals, a study has revealed.
From stockpiling on food to upping the hours they sleep the UK becomes a “hiber-nation” with more than two thirds of people estimating they’ll spend less than one hour outdoors now that the clocks have gone back, according to the research conducted for Disney Fairies.
But the trend is leading to Britons knowing less and less about nature – and that means children understanding less and less about the great outdoors, warns nature expert and Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison who is backing the Disney Fairies campaign to get families into the fresh air this autumn.
Ellie says: “The research shows that we are adopting animal traits once autumn arrives. It’s a real shame as autumn is an amazing time to explore what is going on outside.
“It is a real vicious circle though as the less parents and their kids go on outdoor adventures the less they know about nature to the point that many mums and dads don’t feel confident when children ask them questions about what they see. We found almost a third wanted to find out more about British wildlife, and a quarter wanted to learn more about the change in seasons.”
The research shows that UK parents are often confused when it comes to identifying some of the most common British plants and animals – with some even believing that meerkats are indigenous to the UK and others not being able to identify a Sparrow, the most common bird in Britain. A majority of parents even mistook deadly berries for edible fruits.
Talking about the campaign, Ellie said: “Disney’s research commissioned to support the great stories and characters of Disney Fairies shows that whilst parents want to do more outdoorsy activities as a family, they feel held back by lack of knowledge. There’s also the time factor. We all have such busy lives that it’s often difficult to find time to put together fun activities for our children."
Which hibernation type are you?
When you hibernate, are you more like a Hedgehog?
The Hedgehog gains a dramatic amount of weight leading up to hibernation. They like to find quiet retreats in suburban gardens to curl up in. If disturbed the hedgehog squeals and hisses. Although, nocturnal their sociable side gets the better of them and many are seen throughout the day. If you're like a hedgehog you like to indulge in the tasty festive treats throughout the Autumn months. Your ultimate Autumn would be spent in the leafy suburbs for ultimate relaxation and low fuss. Like the hedgehog you like to turn off your phone and fall of the grid grab some comfort food curl up and relax with pine scented candles
When you hibernate, are you more like a Seven Spot Ladybird ?
The Seven Spot Ladybird likes to sleep near its foods for convenience and finds spaces in the stems of plants, this way the ladybirds can get back to work getting rid of the aphids for the gardeners. During the colder months if they are not working they are sleeping. If you're like a ladybird you are a self confessed workaholic. Your mobile is never turned off and never more than an arm’s length away. Even through the festive period you like to keep on top of your work and always have an email on the go. Unlike the others you do not get wrapped up in the festivities. You are happy to spend your autumn evening by the light of your computer screen.
When you hibernate, are you more like a Common Toad?
The Toad burrows in the ground below the leaves to find its comfort place. The less light the better. And although they are probably the most inconspicuous during the autumn months as soon at the first sign of the summer months they head to the nearby pond to find a mate. If you're like the toad, throughout the autumn you like to remain inconspicuous take the time to pamper and look after yourself. Go home, draw the curtains, light the candles, sit perfectly still in the dim light and meditate. Breathe in the natural earthly scents. Then when the summer months come you are rejuvenated and spend your time socialising at the local watering hole.
When you hibernate, are you more like a Hazel Dormouse?
These conscientious mammals come prepared for hibernation, and weave their cosy nests in the Summer, to ensure they are kept warm under piles of the leaves during autumn. They store their food (hazelnuts) in the autumn and emerge in summer half the size they were when they went to sleep. If the weather is cold and wet the little Dormouse curls into a ball to preserve energy, surrounded by natural fibres for warmth. If you're like the Dormouse You have spent the past few months gathering all that you need to have a perfect festive season. The autumn months for you are like the rest of the year in that everything in moderation. You consume the obligatory festive sweets and cover yourself with chunky woven fabrics until you return to your old self. Your ideal autumn night is a luxurious natural setting. Laying under the stars, curled up on bundles of organic woollen blankets and covered by duvets of Egyptian cotton clutching a hazelnut latte.
Tagged in Parenting environment