Most Britons have not swum in sea for a YEAR amid decline of seaside holidays

A shocking new study has revealed most Britons have not swum in sea or been on a countryside walk for a year.

According to the survey commissioned by The Camping and Caravanning Club, almost a fifth of Britons have claimed to only leave the house for their commute.

The study revealed the average Briton had not been on a rural walk or seen the sun go down for a year and three months.

Even more shockingly, the study suggested seven per cent of the 2,000 respondents said they would rather watch nature through a screen than experience it for themselves.

The study was conducted with Professor Miles Richardson from the University of Derby, who is calling for a "reboot" where Britons spend two days away from screens to forge a better connection with nature.

He said: "Evidence shows that simple engagement with nature can support our well being. A 48-hour reboot provides space to re-tune and rediscover moments of connection with the rest of nature.

"When we tune in to birdsong, sunlight harboured by leaves, or the simple feel of air we allow nature to help manage our emotions and restore our resources.

"The nation needs a reset - stepping away from notifications, routines and distractions to rediscover moments with nature."

According to the study, seven in 10 Britons they would like to spend more time in the natural world, with a quarter saying "they can't remember" the last time they felt mentally refreshed.

Burnout at work is contributing to a lack of connection, with 43 per cent of those polled suggesting lack of time is the primary reason why they're not spending more time outside in nature.

Breaking it down by age groups. millennials are the age group that feel modern life is impacting their ability to connect with nature the most (89 per cent), with Gen Z in second (87 per cent) and then Gen X (80 per cent).

The biggest age group wanting a reset were those aged 30-44 (85 per cent), compared more than three quarters (78 per cent) of both Gen Z and Gen X.

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Director General at The Camping and Caravanning Club Sabina Voysey said: "It's surprising how far many of us have drifted from the outdoors - simple moments like watching a sunset or just spending time outside are becoming all too rare.

'"It's no wonder people are craving a reset.

"Time outdoors has a powerful way of helping us slow down, breathe a little deeper and feel more like ourselves again."

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

According to the study, Britons spend on average 22 hours a week watching television and 21 hours a week scrolling through their phones.

On top of this, nearly one in 10 added that they have never felt truly connected to nature.

Almost the same amount of people then said they had felt connected with the outdoors in the last year, with only 12 per cent feeling mentally refreshed in the last six months.