Experts have unveiled the top 20 traditional skills in danger of dying out, including reading a map, tying knots – and recalling phone numbers of loved ones from memory.
Technology and a lack of interest from younger generations mean a host of life skills deemed necessary in the past face being wiped out altogether.
Using a compass, darning socks and even knowing your handwriting were also named on the list.
The study, by national map makers Ordnance Survey, found other skills which could soon be a thing of the past include starting a fire from nothing and being able to change a tyre.
Instead, knowing how to connect to a WiFi connection, use the Internet and follow a sat-nav are now seen as essential skills to modern day life.
In response to the findings, Ordnance Survey have teamed up with adventurer and TV presenter Steve Backshall to produce a new set of map reading videos. The easy to follow guides cover everything from choosing the map, reading a compass and understanding map symbols.
A spokesman for Ordnance Survey, which commissioned the research, said: “In years gone by, these skills would have been considered essential for everyday life.
“An increasing reliance on modern technology has resulted in some skills falling by the wayside, as people have come to expect their smart phones and apps to do tasks for them.
“Technology, however great it is, isn’t invincible though and there are times when it can let you down.
“Even if it’s a skill you think you no longer need, it’s important to have at least a basic grasp of it – basic map reading skills are vital as sometimes, often when you don’t want it, batteries and phone signals let you down.”
The study, of 2,000 Brits, found map reading is the skill people think is in most danger of dying out as people rely on sat-nav to get them from A to B instead.
Using a compass came second followed by being able to tie specific knots, darn socks and look something up in a book index instead of simply ‘Googling it’.
Correct letter writing technique, understanding pounds and ounces and being able to convert them into grams and kilos, spelling and grammar and being able to start a fire from scratch completed the top ten.
Handwriting, knitting and touch typing are also among the traditional skills which could be on their way out.
The study found almost eight in ten blame the decline of these skills on technology, while another 54 per cent think it’s due to children no longer learning them at school.
Ninety-four per cent even believe there could soon be entire generations of people who have no idea how to do some of the skills once considered essential.
Another 81 per cent think technology is leaving people less skilled than in the past.
But 83 per cent wish they were better at some of the traditional skills with 16 per cent making a conscious effort to try and improve their knowledge in their spare time.
And a staggering 93 per cent think teaching these skills should be brought back into school so younger generations are taught them from a young age.
A spokesman for Ordnance Survey added: “Map reading, whether on a paper map or digital device, is an essential skill which could save your life. In recent years the sales of paper maps and the number of downloads of mapping apps have increased and it is vitally important that people can use these correctly.
“The new videos provide easy steps to help anyone read a map. We are confident that these are skills which anyone can learn. Maps really are the passport to the outdoors and in Great Britain we are blessed with many amazing places to visit and explore.”
To view the new Ordnance Survey videos visit www.os.uk/mapreading
Top 20 skills in danger of dying out
1. Reading a map
2. Using a compass
3. Tie a specific knot
4. Darn socks
5. Looking something up in a book using an index rather than ‘Googling it’
6. Correct letter writing technique
7. Understanding pounds and ounces
8. Knowing your spelling and grammar
9. Converting pounds and ounces to grams and kilograms
10. Starting a fire from nothing
11. Handwriting
12. Understanding feet and inches
13. Knitting
14. Recall a friend or relative’s phone number from memory
15. Recall a partner’s phone number from memory
16. Identifying trees, insects, flowers etc
17. Touch typing
18. Baking bread from scratch
19. Taking up trousers
20. Wiring a plug
Top ten skills considered essential in modern day life
1. Searching the Internet
2. Using/ connecting to WiFi
3. Using a smart phone
4. Online banking
5. Knowing about privacy setting online
6. Searching and applying for jobs inline
7. Being able to turn water off at the mains
8. Using and following a sat-nav
9. Updating and installing computer programs
10. Working a tablet
