Now this is a real challenge, how to get people away from their televisions and electronic devices to find out what lies outdoors?

How our attitude to the great outdoors has changed over the decades

Not so many years ago, children used to be allowed to go out and play with their friends outdoors. They found their own entertainment in mud kitchens, building dens, collecting conkers and climbing trees. After a day of running around and playing, they would return home happy and fulfilled.

Contrast today’s children who are confined to the home because fear of traffic, people and health and safety concerns have created prisons in their own homes. All that so many British children now have is that electronic window on the world.

Give the children a chance to be children on holiday

Even if it is only once a year, grab the chance to spend time in the countryside. Very young children will still revel in mud and puddles, they would be fascinated by farm animals and would love the get up close to animals and stroke them. Perhaps consider a farm holiday where domestic animals are still part of the holiday experience?

Older children might like to see the countryside through an activity. A holiday in the country could be a chance to learn to ride a horse, go mountain biking, fishing, sail a raft or their own canoe. The easiest way to enjoy this type of holiday is to be a week at a specialist centre – there are lots that run all kinds of courses and provide all the equipment.

Spend time with other people who do things outdoors. A week in a youth hostel in one of the national parks would expose your children to others who have a passion for their particular activity in the countryside; they could be walking groups, climbers, people geo-caching. Exposure to rural activities can be an awakening to the fact that there is pleasure to be had from being outdoors.

Adults would also benefit from going out and about

We all know that exercise is healthy. Some people incorporate it into their lives with a gym membership, others try to book a weekend away each month to walk or cycle in a rural area.
With so much stunning countryside within everyone’s reach by train, car or even bus, we can all make the effort to go and see somewhere new.

A long weekend away can be so rewarding. A complete change of location transfers our minds onto whatever we encounter. A stunning landscape, a rose-hued dawn or secluded beach captures our senses. We reap pleasure from a beautiful view, from spotting a running hare or soaring eagle.

And yes, a meal at the country pub almost always follows a good walk.

We do not have to adopt the Ray Mears survival approach to  the countryside to enjoy it. There is so much opportunity to have a wonderful time outdoors in Britain. Do try it.