Parents across North West concerned they have no access to safe outdoor spaces
Two in five UK parents say their children do not play outdoors independently because there are no safe routes for them to walk or cycle
More than five million UK parents say their children have no access to safe outdoor spaces within walking distance of their home, contributing to a continued decline in them playing outside.
That's according to housebuilder Redrow's second annual community play report which has revealed, just ahead of the summer holidays, two thirds (65%) of grandparents and 61% of parents say children today are continuing to spend less time outside than they did growing up.
Two in five parents say their children do not play outdoors independently because there are no safe routes for them to walk or cycle, while 52% say their worries about the general safety of society has impacted how much outdoor play and independence their child is able to have.
Instead, they are mainly watching TV (68%) and playing video games (53%).
Parents are aware of the benefits of the great outdoors, with 47% noting their children sleep better (47%), 37% that they are less reliant on screens, and 35% that they are calmer following a dose of fresh air and stint outside.
Overall, access to green spaces is becoming increasingly important for Brits, with half (50%) noting this as a key attraction to a new home vs 42% in 2023.
Parents are also concerned their children will lack a sense of adventure (40%), as well as suffer from poorer mental health (34%) and increased social anxiety (28%). Grandparents are even more concerned, with figures rising to 65%, 49% and 36% respectively.
This is leading to a growing desire for more green spaces, as a third (33%) admit they would be attracted to a new home that has these nearby or woodland to explore. Two in five (44%) admit they are envious of people who have access to green spaces near their homes.
Beyond simply moving house, almost half (48%) believe that the younger generations do not understand the basics of nature, gardening and the natural environment around them.
Parents in Culcheth, where a park has recently been refurbished, said they are grateful for it: "I think it is brilliant since they've done all this, it needs to be done in all open spaces where possible."
A grandparent said: "It costs a fortune now, cinema, and summer holidays, they need things like this, that are free.
Another parent said: "My son goes to school in Culcheth here, and after school on any relatively fine day, they all come down, they play after school."