Is THIS the death of the seaside? Most Brits have not swum in the sea for a YEAR and prefer to stare at a beach through their screens, according to new study

The average Brit hasn’t gone for a walk in the countryside, seen the sun set or swum in the sea for over a year.

That’s according to new research that reveals Brits’ strained relationship with the great outdoors, with almost a fifth claiming they only leave home for the commute to work.

The research also found that the average Briton hasn’t swam in the ocean, gone for a walk in the countryside or even seen the sun set for a year and three months.

But by comparison, the general population will instead spend an average of 22 hours per week watching television and 21 hours scrolling through their phones.

Surprisingly, seven percent of 2,000 respondents said they preferred watching nature on a screen rather than experiencing it for themselves.

Meanwhile, almost one in 10 added that they never felt truly connected to nature.

Nearly the same number of people said they felt connected to the outdoors last year, while only 12 percent said they felt mentally refreshed in the past six months.

And for the average Brit, it’s been more than a year since they’ve slowed down and enjoyed a barefoot walk on the grass, listening to the birds chirping, enjoying stargazing or watching the sunrise.

Tough work also takes its toll, according to research commissioned by The Camping and Caravanning Club, working with Professor Miles Richardson.

The average employee claims to work 10 hours and 20 minutes more per week than contracted; 43 percent say lack of time is the main reason they don’t spend more time outside in nature.

And one in 10 people say they are too busy on a daily basis to notice the world around them.

But despite our lack of engagement, seven in 10 people said they wanted to spend more time in the natural world; And a quarter said they ‘can’t remember’ the last time they felt mentally refreshed.

Millennials are the age group who feel modern life has most impacted their ability to connect with nature (89%); Generation Z (87%) followed by Generation X (80%).

Those aged 30-44 feel the greatest need to reset to modern life (85%), compared to more than three-quarters of both Gen Z and Gen X (78%).

The study was jointly commissioned to encourage Britons to attend a ‘Re-education Camp’. A two-day nature challenge designed to provide a mental reset.

Professor Richardson said: ‘Evidence shows that simple interaction with nature can support our wellbeing.

‘The 48-hour reboot provides space to recalibrate and rediscover moments of connection with the rest of nature.

‘When we listen to birdsong, sunlight sheltered by leaves or the simple feeling of air, we allow nature to help manage our emotions and replenish our resources.

‘The nation needs a reset; ‘Stepping away from notifications, routines and distractions to rediscover moments surrounded by nature.’

Sabina Voysey, General Manager of the Camping and Caravan Club, said: ‘It’s surprising how far so many of us have moved away from the outdoors; Simple moments like watching the sunset or spending time outside are becoming very rare.

‘No wonder people crave a reset. ‘Spending time outdoors has a powerful way of helping us slow down, breathe a little deeper and feel like ourselves again.’

She added: ‘With busy schedules and constant screen time, it’s easy to lose touch with nature and how good it makes us feel.’