Being cooped up during the coronavirus lockdown has given many a renewed appreciation of nature.

Government figures show that, before current restrictions began, Oxfordshire residents were even more outdoorsy than average.

Data from Natural England shows that 67 per cent of locals aged 16 or over spent time outdoors at least weekly.

The median rate – the middle value of a range of figures – for council areas across England was 58 per cent.

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The figures are based on a decade's worth of surveys from the Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment report, the last of which was completed in 2018-19, and final analysis put out in March.

Across England, the rate has risen over the last 10-year period, from 54 per cent in 2009-10 to 65 per cent in 2018-19.

Paul Bunton, from the woodland conservation charity the Woodland Trust, said: “We are pleased that the trend seems to show that people are spending more times in the outdoors, albeit in the current crisis they need to heed government advice and not travel to our woods at this time.

“We understand the many positives of visiting woods – they are wildlife havens, a way to de-stress, have an adventure and learn about their importance, for example in tackling climate change."

Where people do not have woodland on their doorstep, Mr Bunton suggested going to the nearest park, adding that the charity had 'huge aims' to increase tree cover and protect urban trees.

He added: “All of this, and our woodlands, will be there to enjoy once the current national crisis abates.”

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Craig Bennett, chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts, said people were turning to nature more than ever as the world faced health, climate and ecological emergencies.

He said: "When the pandemic has passed, there is a battle to resume – to restore nature and to empower people to take action for the natural world.

"At the Wildlife Trusts, we have a pivotal role to play and have a clear understanding of the urgency.”

The group – a movement of 46 charities across the UK – wants at least a third of land and sea handed back to nature by 2030.

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokeswoman said people should follow the Government’s guidance on using green spaces during the Covid-19 outbreak:

  • Stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible – do not travel unnecessarily.
  • Only go outside alone or with members of your own household.
  • Keep at least two metres apart from anyone outside your household at all times.
  • Take hygiene precautions when you are outside, and wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors.
  • If walking your dog in areas used by other people, keep them on a lead to ensure you can safely keep two metres away from others.