The countryside has come to London – with a campsite experience appearing at London’s King’s Cross station. Hundreds of passers-by took time out of their day to enjoy a moment with nature among a scene of greenery, accompanied by the sounds and smells associated with the great British countryside – as well as a short, guided meditation exercise.
The immersive campsite experience was created after university research found those who go camping are happier than those who don’t.
The study of 10,992 people found 48 per cent of campers feel generally happy, compared to just 35 per cent of non-campers.
According to the findings, campers also have significantly higher levels of psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing – with 44 per cent of campers “flourishing”, compared to just 31 per cent of non-campers.
The Outjoyment Report was carried out by academic experts at Liverpool John Moores University and Sheffield Hallam University, in association with The Camping and Caravanning Club.
In preparation for the survey, the questionnaire was subjected to a protocol analysis with both sample groups, who were encouraged to think aloud as they completed each question.
It also found those who participate in the outdoor pastime are 23 per cent less anxious than those who don’t.
TV personality, and president of The Camping and Caravanning Club, Julia Bradbury, joined the “Outjoyment Pod” to help promote the benefits of being outdoors.
Julia Bradbury said: “Spending time outdoors has proven benefits for both your mental and physical wellbeing.
“The Outjoyment Report has revealed those who camp are happier, more connected to nature, and enjoy better wellbeing than those who don’t.
“With the research clearly highlighting the positive impact of being outdoors, we took to the streets of London with a pop-up camping pod to encourage the public to take a few moments out of their busy day.
“Relaxing, unwinding, and enjoying a few calming breaths, people could swap their busy city lives for just a few moments of pure outjoyment.”
The study also found 91 per cent of campers embark on the hobby as it makes them feel relaxed.
And 97 per cent claim it makes them feel happy, with 93 per cent valuing the outdoor activity for the benefits it gives to their health and wellbeing.
The Camping and Caravanning Club also surveyed 2,000 adults who live in an urban or suburban area, via OnePoll, to explore how frequently they are able to access green spaces.
It found one in ten (nine per cent) can’t remember the last time they camped, and 48 per cent haven’t done so in longer than five years. But 46 per cent think it would be beneficial for their mental health, while 30 per cent would like to get out of the city more often.
However, 46 per cent said living in the city or suburbs means they don’t get to enjoy nature as much as they’d like. Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) also believe their physical wellbeing typically improves when they spend time outside, while 79 per cent feel a boost to their mental health.
Julia Bradbury, who has an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University, added: “We believe our findings are crucial in promoting positive health and wellbeing, while shining a spotlight on the benefits of camping and its pathway to encouraging higher levels of nature connectedness, physical activity, and mental health.
“To celebrate National Camping and Caravanning Week, which runs from the 29th May to 4th June, we’re encouraging people of all ages – no matter where they live – to get outdoors and give camping a go.”
The Outjoyment Pod will be touring the UK over the next few weeks, appearing at the Birmingham Bull Ring (25th May), Sheffield Tudor Square (31st May), Glasgow Argyle Street (2nd June), and Cardiff St David’s Shopping Centre (6th June).
