More people are taking part in outdoor sports in the UK than ever before – and the demand for outdoor activities is continuing to increase.

Nine million people regularly took part in outdoor sport during 2013-14, an increase of 3 per cent on the year before.

The figures come from a new insight report into the outdoor activity market launched by Sport England and the Outdoors Industries Association.

The report, Getting Active Outdoors: A study of demography, motivation, participation and provision in outdoor sport and recreation in England, examines the demand and supply of the outdoor activity market. It shows that are now more than 9,000 outdoor sport and activity providers in the country and the report suggests there is still room for growth.

Covering activities on snow, water, mountains and urban spaces, the report also examines the eight participant segment groups – the Explorer, the Challenger, Fitness in Nature, the Tribe Member, the Adventurer, the Learner, the Freestyler and the Thrill Seeker – and delves into the reasons for being active outside across all ages and life stages.

Sport England CEO Jennie Price said the report would help providers determine what people want from their sporting experience.

“This report will help us to understand further the outdoors and the opportunities it presents,” she said.

To download and read the report, click here.