Fresh air, rambling fields, endless space to enjoy the great outdoors – apparently these are still not good enough for many Britons.

New research by hotel chain Travelodge suggests that over half the nation thinks the countryside is ‘boring’ while many other respondents couldn’t identify common plants and animals.

Is this survey a fair reflection of 2009? Has the countryside become boring and left behind?

Or are cities now much safer so certain demographics such as young families and the elderly are less likely to leave?