Children’s knowledge of nature is dwindling, study finds
I think its really sad that children don’t venture outside very much these days – particularly on their own. A corrosive mixture of electronic temptations to stay inside and increasingly cautious parents influenced by some of the horror stories we hear on the news means that we are losing our connection with the countryside. Perhaps we need more forest schools!! This story tells us:
Britain’s knowledge of nature is dwindling to worrying new levels with younger generations now less clued up than ever, according to a new study.
Nearly double the number of parents aged over 51 (49 per cent) said nature was one of the most important things to teach children, compared to just one in three aged under 30.
And the naivety of younger adults revealed just six in ten (58 per cent) 25 to 30 year olds knew a vixen was a female fox – a fact nearly all parents over 51 (96 per cent) knew.
In fact, one in six (17 per cent) of the younger generation of parents believed female foxes were called “sows” – the name for a female pig.
The research, by collectible toy company Sylvanian Families, revealed some startling insight into the nation’s poor grasp of outdoor life.
Nine in ten over 51s (92 per cent) identified the fact male rabbits were called a “buck”, which just over half (53 per cent) of 25 to 30 year olds knew.
Meanwhile, one in five (21 per cent) 25 to 30 year olds incorrectly believed male rabbits were called “jacks”.