The Woodland Trust said three quarters (76 per cent) of seven to 14-year-olds were more likely to spend their free time hanging around outside shops, on the streets, or on waste ground, with only 14 per cent spending time with friends in woods or the countryside.

Just over 40 per cent of those questioned have never visited a wood despite their craving for a greener environment.

Given the choice over half (57 per cent) would want to play in a park, 19 per cent a wood, 15 per cent in the countryside and only 11 per cent on industrial wasteland and open ground.

The Trust, which owns 50,000 acres of woodland, said the destruction of Britain’s natural habitat was way down the pecking order when it came to the school curriculum.

Recycling topped the list with 72 per cent of children quoting this as part of their lesson plan. Global warming (49 per cent), endangered species (48 per cent) and destruction of the rain forests (46 per cent) were other subjects taught widely in UK schools.

Destruction of the UK’s natural habitat came at the bottom of the class, with only 36 per cent of children being taught about it.

The Trust said Britain had less woodland than almost any other country in Europe, and that which remains is under threat from development, climate change and sheer indifference.

Meanwhile thousands of runners are needed to take part in the first Tree-Athlon which aims to raise money for the planting of trees across the nation. Organised by the charity Trees for Cities, the Tree-Athlon was launched by the television gardener Diarmuid Gavin. It will take place at Battersea Park in south London on September 24.