JUST over a quarter of people (26 per cent) have increased the amount of times they visit the countryside since lockdown was implemented in March, according to a new survey, with 18-34s the most likely to head outdoors more (36%).

The leading reasons for people getting out and about in the countryside were for physical fitness, to experience the mental health benefits of the great outdoors and for a change of scenery instead of their homes.

Yorkshire Water conducted the survey of 248 customers to support National Tree Week, which runs until December 6 and marks the start of the winter tree planting season.

Reservoirs were the favourite countryside destination of respondents aged 18-34, while those over 34 preferred forests. Wherever people prefer to spend their time outdoors, people of all ages agree that they enjoy the opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

Alastair Harvey, lead countryside and woodland advisor at Yorkshire Water, said: “The countryside offers a wide range of benefits from a pure exercise and physical fitness point of view but also to provide a break away from home, which has been particularly important during lockdown.

“As Yorkshire’s second largest landowner we have noticed a marked increase in visitors to our sites and it’s positive to see so many people increasing their visits to their local open spaces and countryside.

“We’re committed to ensuring our land protects the management of water, but also benefits the environment by delivering exceptional land for the people of Yorkshire.

“One area of this is to ensure plants and wildlife thrive on Yorkshire Water land, which includes major tree planting projects.

“These projects can reduce flood risk and carbon emissions and give a great boost to local wildlife.

“It also provides greater opportunity for communities to enjoy the experiences nature can provide.

“It is important people visiting the countryside act responsibly, follow the countryside code and be considerate of others while visiting Yorkshire Water sites and other countryside locations.”

Those between 18 and 34 also named parks and lakes as top countryside destinations, ahead of riversides, beaches and country homes.