One in three children have never watched wildlife in a park or garden, study finds

One in three children have never watched wildlife in a park or garden, study finds

The study also reveals that seven out of ten young people have never seen a cow being milked and around one in five have never fed ducks.

Published: July 25, 2024 at 9:48 am

A third of young people have never watched birds or other wildlife in their garden or a park, according to a new study by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

The results of the Animal Kindness Index report raise worrying concerns about children’s access to animals and the natural world, says the animal welfare charity.

RSPCA Young Photographer Awards
The RSPCA's annual Young Photographer Awards aims to encourage young people to venture outside and get close to nature. Last year's winner was Alex George, with his photo 'Golden Glow'. Credit: Alex George

What the Animal Kindness Index found

The Index showed that seven out of ten children and young people (aged seven to 15) have never seen a cow being milked and around one in five (21%) have never fed ducks

The latest polling also revealed that 85% of children and young people call themselves animal lovers, a figure that drops to just 58% of 16- and 17-year-olds.

This 'compassion gap', where older teenagers and young adults have less interest in animals than their younger and older peers, is concerning, says the RSPCA.

“It’s impossible to overstate just how important it is that children and young people develop a relationship with the natural world early on in their lives," said RSPCA Chief Executive, Chris Sherwood.

"We want to see a world where animals are treated with kindness and respect and so teaching children about the needs of animals, their unique personalities, and our impact on nature, is crucial to achieving this.

"Spending time watching birds and wildlife in gardens, community green spaces or parks is so important as it helps to create an understanding of the natural world and how we might protect it.”

RSPCA Young Photographer Awards
Jamie Smart's photo 'Head Under Water' was commended in last year's 'Under 12' category. Credit: Jamie Smart

RSPCA Young Photographer Awards

In a bid to encourage children and young people to venture outdoors, get closer to nature and inspire the next generation to help create a better world for all animals, the charity is once again opening its annual RSPCA Young Photographer Awards.

The 2024 competition, hosted by RSPCA President Chris Packham, is now open and encourages young people to appreciate all animals by capturing inspiring photos of pets, wildlife and farm animals.

“We’re incredibly excited to see the amazing photos being entered into the competition this year and we hope this will help to inspire a deep connection with the animal kingdom now and in the future,” said Sherwood.

The free-to-enter competition is open to all young people aged 18 and under. Entries close on 15 August.

RSPCA Young Photographer Awards
Chloe Alpin was commended in the 'Mobile Phone' category for her image 'The Scavenger'. Credit: Chloe Alpin

Main image: 'Companions for Life', runner-up of the 'Pet Personalities' category in the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2023. Credit: Thomas Rikkerink

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