Attitudes to biodiversity and the natural environment study published

 

The statistical release published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs provides data on public attitudes to biodiversity and the natural environment from 2007 to 2011. Key findings from the survey revealed that 92% of respondents felt it important that they have access to public gardens and green spaces, with 90% of respondents also reporting to place value in the existence of places and environments they acknowledge they will never visit. Despite the high levels of respondents reporting to place value in the natural environment only 13% reported to have actively taken part in volunteer work in conservation in the last 12 months. The survey results provide further detail on public understanding of biodiversity and ecosystems services, with analysis presented for sub-groups by social grade. The survey data was collected via interviews held in March 2011, and combined with similar surveys from previous years.