A new study for the National Trust suggests that we are losing our sense of adventure when it comes to eating outdoors and are at risk of forgetting a national treasure – the great British picnic.

The research reveals that although the majority (91 per cent) of parents and their children say they love eating outdoors, over half (58 per cent) avoided al fresco food in the past year because of unpredictable weather, preferring to eat indoors.

While 41 per cent of families decided to picnic in August, only 13 per cent ventured outdoors for mealtimes in March – a time of year when people are afforded beautiful spring views, birdsong and glimpses of newborn farm animals.

Apart from the weather, people are put off eating outdoors because of wasps and other insects (62 per cent) and getting dirt and sand in their food (26 per cent).

The National Trust is encouraging a revival of the proud and stoic British tradition of the picnic, whatever the weather. “Picnics are something we’re well known for in this country, but we don’t need to wait for the summer sun to arrive” says Fiona Reynolds, Director General at the National Trust. “Spring is finally here and we have our extra hour’s daylight – it’s a great time of year to head outdoors and enjoy food with a view.”

To find out more about the National Trust’s top 10 ‘food with a view’ sites, seasonal picnic recipes and what to look out for this spring when you’re eating outdoors, visit: www.foodgloriousfood.org.uk

Are you put off by the weather when planning a picnic? And what’s your favourite picnic food for a meal ‘al fresco’? Let us know in our comments section below.

Related posts:

No related posts.