Two in five parents admit their children are unable to play outdoors independently due to safety concerns and a lack of accessible outdoor spaces.

In British housebuilder Redrow’s latest annual community play report, ‘Breaking the Grass Ceiling’, it was revealed that almost half of parents surveyed fear their children will lack a sense of adventure due to a lack of outdoor play and nature spaces.

Over 30% also said they believe their children will have poorer mental health and 28% believed it would lead to increased social anxiety.

A third of parents admitted to resorting to taking their children to indoor experiences in place of outdoor spaces due to a lack of spaces within safe walking distance to their home.

The report shows that parents are aware of the benefits available in these spaces, with a majority of those surveyed reporting an improvement in their child’s behaviour and mood after time spent outdoors.

Almost half of both parents and grandparents believe that the younger generation lack the basic understanding of nature, gardening and the natural environment.

Potentially hindering environmental stewardship and highlighting the importance of introducing land-based criteria into the curriculum.

Overall, access to green spaces is becoming increasingly important across the UK, with 50% of participants noting it a key benefit when looking for a new home – an 8% increase from 2023.

Kevin Parker, group master planning director at Redrow, says:

“Our Playmaking report highlights the endless benefits outside play has for children and aims to encourage play in new communities to inspire residents, other developers and local councils to join forces. The recommendations made, in collaboration with Professor Helen Dodd and Tim Gill, author and advocate for children’s outdoor play, will continue to help shape Redrow’s play spaces across its upcoming developments.”

Find out more at www.redrow.co.uk/playmaking