Research announced today by Visit North Norfolk, the official visitor website for north Norfolk, has revealed adults and children do not know traditional skills such as using a compass (48%) or how to do classic, outdoor activities; over a fifth of UK adults (21%) have never flown a kite or climbed a tree (22%).

The research further revealed over half have not gone crabbing (51%) and one in ten people have never built a sandcastle (9%) with 67% saying they have not done so in a long time.  One of the reasons for this lack of knowledge is that many UK adults were not taught these skills by their seniors.  Only 14% were shown how to use a compass, 18% how to spot clouds and less than half (44%) were taught how to fly a kite.   

To address this knowledge gap, Visit North Norfolk has created a series of films and guides showing how to carry out these traditional outdoor pastimes, what you will need and where to go.  Their campaign, 'Nip to North Norfolk' sees six films focussing on: how to spot clouds (and naming clouds), how to build a sandcastle, how to catch a crab, how to moor a boat, how to beachcomb and how to use a compass.  Accompanying the films are 'how to' downloadable written guides providing step by step instructions, hints and tips.   To view the films go to www.visitnorthnorfolk.com.

Kayla Dunne, Brand Manager from Visit North Norfolk commented, “We were quite surprised our research findings highlighted that many people did not know these traditional skills or how to enjoy these outdoor pastimes.  Activities such as beachcombing, finding your way using a compass, crabbing or building a sandcastle, are enjoyed by all ages and are a great way to enjoy the north Norfolk coast and the countryside.”

The survey results further revealed there are many traditional skills and outdoor activities not being passed down to the next generation of children.   Nearly a quarter of children (23%) have never climbed a tree, over a third (35%) have not beachcombed and over a quarter (26%) have never flown a kite.

The main reasons parents cited for their children not doing these activities, echoed this lack of knowledge handed down to them.  Parents said they had no understanding of the activity or they have not done it themselves, so would not know how to teach a child or where to go to do it.  Nearly a fifth (18%) of UK parents stated that money is the main obstacle for doing outdoor activities, with the same amount stating it's due to the lack of equipment available. 

Former Blue Peter presenter and grandmother, Janet Ellis is supporting the Nip to North Norfolk campaign and said, “It is a shame that these traditional pastimes seem to be diminishing. I certainly remember doing these with my children and enjoy building sandcastles and spotting clouds with my grandchildren.   I love north Norfolk and go as often as I can – and doing these kinds of activities are all about enjoying the simple pleasures in life."

Visit North Norfolk is a not-for-profit organisation and the campaign has kindly been supported by Barefoot Retreats.

Percentage of UK adults and children who have not participated in outdoor activities

Activities UK adults remember being taught as a child

About the research:
Research commissioned by Visit North Norfolk with Opinium from between 10-13 May 2016 with 2,001 nationally representative UK adults (aged 18+) and parents of children (up to 17 years old).

About Visit North Norfolk:
Visit North Norfolk is the official Destination Management Organisation for the north Norfolk area, working with Visit England. As a membership organisation and not-for-profit, business membership subscription helps to support the promotion of north Norfolk tourism along with public sector funding.  The role of Visit North Norfolk is to raise the profile of the area and its businesses, and to grow the number of people aware of and visiting the destination.  www.visitnorthnorfolk.com