04 November 2021
Go to release: Household Environmental Behaviours - Visits to Nature Areas Quarter 3 2021
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has today (4 November 2021) published Household Environmental Behaviours - Visits to Nature Areas Quarter 3 2021. The report analyses the frequency and location of visits to nature areas by households. The findings are based on a household environment module conducted as part of the CSO General Household Survey.
Statistician in the Environment and Climate Division Clare O’Hara commented: ”The survey covered four main topics: Environmental Concerns; Visits to Nature Areas; Waste and Recycling; and Energy Use. The results being presented today are the second of four reports that are being published to coincide with the UN Climate Conference (COP26).
The survey found that 32% of occupied private households visit urban green spaces for recreational purposes most days with a further 34% visiting most weeks. In urban areas 74% of households visit at least most weeks compared with 48% in rural areas. Around 31% of households visit a woodland for recreational purposes most weeks while 31% of households visit fields, farmland or the countryside most weeks.
Asked about their most recent visit, 31% of household visits were to urban green spaces with a further 26% to beach and coastline areas and 13% to fields, farmland or countryside. Around 60% of households used private motorised transport while 35% went on foot or by bicycle or wheelchair. Around 24% of visits were within one kilometre while a further 26% of visits were to a location within five kilometres.
Walking was the most popular activity on the most recent visit, being reported by 78% of households. Around 43% enjoyed appreciating scenery, 28% reported eating and drinking out, 23% spent time playing with children and 19% watched wildlife.
The total expenditure by households on their most recent visit for recreational purposes was €45.9 million of which 49% was on food and drink and 27% was spent on motor fuels."
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