A fifth of city dwellers feel out of touch with nature – and can’t remember the last time they saw a farm animal. A study of 500 adults who live in rural areas and 500 who reside in cities discovered the differences between their relationship with the outdoors. It emerged 19 per cent of urbanites feel disconnected with the natural world – increasing to 22 per cent for Londoners – compared to just nine per cent of those living in the countryside. Nearly half of urbanites said they only venture outside to walk to a shop (47 per cent) and just 22 per cent for sports. But those in the countryside do so for gardening (47 per cent) and to sit and enjoy the views (35 per cent). The study, commissioned by Nestlé UK & Ireland, also found for half of rural residents the nearest outdoor space to their home is within half a mile, with woodlands (58 per cent) and rivers (42 per cent) also in walking distance.