Natural spaces : how do they influence stewardship attitudes and actions of university students?

We examined how the background (urban/rural) of 282 tertiary students influenced their attitudes and actions including their use of natural areas. Most considered that protection of natural spaces was 'important'. Childhood residence influenced time spent in natural areas as young adults. When time spent in natural spaces was compared with residence status, non-urban dwellers more frequently visited natural areas than urban dwellers. Rural residents who visited natural spaces were likely to visit more frequently than urban dwellers. The different types of passive recreation carried out in natural spaces and whether the student was involved in environmental restoration activities were not matters influenced by residence status, although there was a difference as between passive or active recreation in natural spaces. Over 80% of participants considered that 'protection of the natural environment' was more important than the cost of fresh produce, reduced taxes, fuel prices or 'better use of recycled material'.