OUTDOOR AWARE HELPING MORE PEOPLE ENJOY THE OUTDOORS RESPONSIBLY - Plas y Brenin
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OUTDOOR AWARE 2021 HELPING MORE PEOPLE ENJOY THE OUTDOORS RESPONSIBLY
FOREWORD
The pandemic has been - and continues to be - an incredibly tough time for everyone.
Yet, as restrictions ease and we begin to take tentative steps back into some semblance
of normal life, we can reflect on some of the positives to come from this time.
As part of that, we’ve produced this research report As the National Outdoor Centre, seeing people try
to understand more about people’s changing habits new activities for the first time - or perfect skills
as well as the challenges they face when it comes to they’ve been developing for years - is what gets our
taking part in outdoor activities. team out of bed in the morning and makes us tick.
So, seeing a groundswell of people discovering the
For us here at Plas y Brenin, it’s great to learn more benefits of outdoor activities, and hungry for true
people are realising the many benefits associated adventure is music to our ears.
with outdoor activities and adventures. As a nation,
not only are we spending more time outdoors, but We want everyone to feel welcome and able to enjoy
almost 17 million of us took part in an outdoor activity outdoor activities - our aim is for outdoor adventure
we’ve not tried before. to be the worst kept secret! However, our research
shows that we have more work to do to empower
people to enjoy the outdoors safely and confidently.
In return for having access to the outdoors, there
comes with it a responsibility to respect and protect
the environment, ourselves and others. The launch
of our Outdoor AWARE campaign aims to help arm
people with the information they need to get the
most out of their experiences while protecting the
outdoors for generations to come.
Ruth Hall, CEO, Plas y Brenin
Plas y Brenin - Outdoor AWARE 2021 2
A YEAR OF CHANGE
Faced with more than a year of Covid-19 restrictions and confinement within the locality
of their homes, many Brits turned to the outdoors for exercise, socialising, recreation,
therapy and escapism.
During this time, almost
17 MILLION
UK ADULTS
tried an outdoor activity for the first time.
Almost 9 million Brits (or 17%) took For some Brits, this wasn’t thrill seeking enough, so
long walks for the first time, making they tried their hands (and feet) for the first time at:
it the most popular outdoor pursuit.
17% 10%
WALKING RUNNING
7%
CYCLING
5% 4%
HIKING CLIMBING
4%
MOUNTAIN
3%
OUTDOOR
3%
KAYAKING
1%
CANOEING
BIKING SWIMMING
Spending more time both locally and outdoors A sentiment that many hope to continue into
has left people feeling more positive about their post-lockdown life as almost a third (32%)
surroundings with almost a quarter (24%) of of people plan to spend just as much time
people saying they have a new appreciation for outdoors once restrictions ease.
the outdoors and nature.
24% 32%
Plas y Brenin - Outdoor AWARE 2021 3
WITH MORE OF THE SAME...
Of people who were active before the pandemic,
15%
say they are doing more
now than before.
Long outdoor walks became
a British pastime with almost
47%
half of Brits doing it at least
once a week.
MEANWHILE...
Others managed to
regularly maintain more
rural recreations.
12% 11%
6.3 MILLION 5.8 MILLION
CYCLING RUNNING
AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK
5%
HIKING
4%
MOUNTAIN
BIKING
AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK
As outdoor hobbies increased, so too did people’s
desire to invest in appropriate kit.
Almost one in 10 say
they have spent more on
outdoor equipment and
clothing than they would
normally over the last year
3% have spent more than
£1,000 since March 2020.
Plas y Brenin - Outdoor AWARE 2021 4
SAFETY AND SKILLS ARE A CONCERN
As the National Outdoor Centre, Plas y Brenin has been championing the benefits
of outdoor activities since first opening our doors in 1955, so it’s encouraging to
witness millions of people connecting with the outdoors - some for the first time.
While we’re delighted to see these results, there is still more to do if we are to empower
everyone who wishes to take part in outdoor activities to do so safely and confidently.
OUR RESEARCH FOUND:
15%
of Brits refrain from taking part
in outdoor activities due to
concerns for their safety.
13% say they don’t have the right
equipment.
one in 10 don’t
think they have
the right skills.
The findings identify navigation as a concern
preventing people from venturing out.
13% worry about trespassing,
12% don’t know where they
have the right of way,
one in 10 say they lack
navigation skills and
fear they’ll end up lost.
Plas y Brenin - Outdoor AWARE 2021 5
BE OUTDOOR AWARE
Plas y Brenin, the National Outdoor Centre, is encouraging people to enjoy the
outdoors and take part in activities safely and responsibly.
A little planning and research before setting off can go a long way in helping everyone enjoy the benefits of the
great outdoors in a way that suits their skills, abilities and interests while protecting it for generations to come.
BE OUTDOOR AWARE TIPS
A APPROPRIATE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
Make sure you have the tools, kit and clothing you need to stay safe and well
during your adventure. Think about layers, waterproofs, footwear, head torch
and batteries, map and compass. Take enough food and plenty of water. Make
sure people know where you are going, take a mobile phone with plenty of
battery life, a waterproof case and the contact number for the local emergency
services and mountain rescue.
W WEATHER
Always check the weather and pack for what you’re expecting and more. Take
extra layers and waterproofs in case you experience freak weather or run into
difficulty, and don’t forget sun protection.
A ABILITY
Take into account the different abilities in your group and plan your adventure
based on the lowest so that everyone stays safe and enjoys the day. Be
conservative with your choice of venue and then build up as your skills and
experience grows.
R RESPECT
Observe non-access land by sticking to public rights of way. Brush up on your
navigation skills. Ordnance Survey is a good place to start and there are many
great apps available - but you can’t go too far wrong with a map. To really refine
your skills, consider a skills course with an outdoor centre, such as Plas y
Brenin - or seek help from a mountain professional.
By following and E ENVIRONMENT
Protect the environment by leaving no trace. Avoid BBQs or fires and take
sharing these simple
tips, we can make your litter home with you. Use public toilets where you can but if you must use
the outdoors a safer nature’s bathroom, make sure you stay at least 30m away from water sources
and happier place for and paths, and bury solids at least 15-20cm deep without tissue or any other
everyone to enjoy sanitary products.
confidently.
Plas y Brenin - Outdoor AWARE 2021 6
For information and inspiration connect with us on:
@playbrenin @playbrenin @playbreninofficial @Plas y Brenin
More tips and advice can be found at www.pyb.co.uk,
the Countryside Code* and AdventureSmart.
* Natural England and Natural Resources Wales have recently updated the Countryside Code. With more people enjoying the outdoors than
ever before, the code has been revised to help people enjoy the countryside in a safe and respectful way. More information can be found here.
Research conducted by Opinium with a nationally representative sample of 2,002 UK adults between 30 March - 1 April 2020.
Extrapolated figures are based on an 18+ UK population of 52,673,433, according to 2020 ONS mid-year-estimates.
Established in 1955, Plas y Brenin, The National Outdoor
Centre is the UK’s home of true adventure. It is the place for
everyone to come and discover new outdoor sports, improve
their performance and have great adventures across a range
of activities including climbing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing
and mountain biking. We offer more than 200 courses to
suit all abilities and interests. We welcome school groups,
families, friends and individuals – from complete beginners to
enthusiasts wanting to learn new skills, to those looking to gain
the qualifications they need to work in the outdoor sector.
To find out more about Plas y Brenin’s comprehensive course
programme, facilities, business and educational services visit
www.pyb.co.uk
Charity Number 1064023
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