Almost 90 per cent of people value outdoor spaces like the coast, lakes and waterways as much as they value leisure centres, pitches and courts for sport.

That’s according to a new report from the the Sport and Recreation Alliance and the Outdoor Industries Association (OIA), which has been commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to explore what role outdoor recreation could play in its forthcoming new sport strategy.

The new report was informed by a poll of the British public, which also found that eight in ten people believe that ministers should support outdoor recreation in the same way as it supports sport. By extension, the report calls for the creation of a named minister for the Outdoors.

Last week’s government spending review saw a 29 per cent increase in funding for elite body UK Sport, while there was also £350m of funding for public forests, National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, there are fears that some of the cuts announced by chancellor George Osborne as part of the review could have a detrimental impact on outdoor recreation.

As reflected in the latest poll, al fresco physical activity enjoys broad support from the public, with 83 per cent agree that schools should give every child the chance to take part in outdoor recreation such as sailing, climbing and orienteering. Health experts such as Dr William Bird have long extolled the virtues of inhabiting green spaces, while a growing number of gyms and fitness companies are offering expanded outdoor exercise programmes.

“Evidence shows that outdoor recreation can benefit the economy and individuals’ health and wellbeing,” said Emma Boggis, CEO of the Sport and Recreation Alliance.

“We know that DCMS will consider this report as it develops the new sport strategy. The recommendations set a framework for outdoor recreation and we know the sector is willing and able to work with government on delivering change within this.”