People in Northern Ireland are the keenest picnickers in the UK, with a third saying they venture outdoors to eat as often as they can.

In a survey commissioned by British salad producers, nine out of ten people (89%) from Northern Ireland say they picnic at least occasionally 10% above the national average.

Forty three per cent say that picnics are family occasions and three quarters (74%) think that eating outdoors is a great way to spend quality time with children.

Three fifths (59%) also say that picnics - with the combination of fresh air, a chance to get some exercise and nutritious picnic foods - are a healthier alternative to eating indoors.

When it comes to locations, 30% of people prefer to picnic on Northern Ireland?s spectacular beaches; a fifth (21%) prefer peaceful woodlands; and another fifth (21%) favour the local park (details of favourite venues are in Notes for Editors).

Nearly two thirds (64%) of people in Northern Ireland agree that preparing for a picnic is a lot easier nowadays thanks to the wide variety of suitable picnic foods - such as pre-prepared salads and ready-cooked chicken - which are easily available in supermarkets.

This means that picnics no longer have to be planned with military precision and 46% of people say outdoor eating is usually a spur of the moment occasion when the weather is good.

A quarter say they always have their picnic kit to hand to take advantage of the sunshine, perhaps not surprising when two thirds (68%) also believe that food tastes better on a picnic.

This sentiment is echoed by celebrity chef, Lesley Waters:

As soon as I see a glimpse of sunshine, I want to be outside eating in the fresh air - food just seems to taste better.

"I love picnics ? it really is a great way to share food and fun in the great outdoors.

Salads are ideal picnic food - quick to prepare and are bursting with colour, flavour and texture.

Pre-prepared salads are also really easy to transport as they're ready to eat straight from the bag.

Lesley has developed some delicious salad recipes which are ideal for picnics: see www.bringonthesalads.com which also features handy tips on how to make the most of a picnic.