The National Trust is encouraging more people to enjoy the great outdoors. Vicky Farncombe reports.

The drop in temperature sees all too many of us scurrying inside to spend the winter months watching TV and eating cake.

But, according to research by Savlon and Play England, that urge to hibernate is depriving today’s children of the timeless joys of crunching leaves and collecting conkers.

The survey found that 72 per cent of adults played outside as youngsters compared with just 40 per cent of children today, while 32 per cent of children have never climbed a tree.

In a bid to right that wrong, the National Trust has launched a Taste of Nature campaign to encourage more people to enjoy the great outdoors, no matter the weather.

Its website says: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”

National Trust’s director of the Midlands Beccy Speight said: ‘When you think of nature, you automatically think of spring, but autumn is such an abundant time.

“Harvest used to be celebrated widely, but to some extent that has been lost and people and especially children are missing out on some of the most spectacular natural miracles by staying indoors.

“We hope that through our A Taste of Nature campaign people will reconnect with autumn and recognise that with its bountiful fruit, stunning scenery and natural wonders, it really is a season that offers a feast for all the senses.”

The campaign forms part of the trust’s wider Fresh Air initiative which is all about encouraging families to enjoy the great outdoors, no matter the season.

As Cat Philpott, marketing and communication consultant for the West Midlands, explains: “Each season we try and think of a different way to get people to get out in the fresh air and enjoy nature.

“Aside from the health aspect, I think it’s important spiritually too. Being out in the fresh air is good for the mind as well as the body.

“Autumn is often overlooked but it is often very sunny and has lots to offer children. We do welly walks where they can stomp through muddy puddles and get messy or they can look for conkers or crunch leaves.” To experience the best in autumnal colour, the National Trust recommends five of its Midland sites.