Research shows Brits struggle to identify well-known species of birds highlighting a significant wildlife knowledge gap
A quarter of Britons are uncertain they could distinguish between a robin and the red kite. A survey of 2,000 adults found barn owls, pheasants and blue tits are amongst the birds the nation finds difficult to recognise – despite them being familiar species and native to the UK. Kestrels, starlings and even herons also appeared in the top 30.
More than a third (34%) blamed their lack of knowledge and disconnect with the great outdoors on being overwhelmed by digital content, and 21% say they are more likely to see birds on screens than outside.. But it also emerged 36% watch ambient nature content online to unwind.
The research was commissioned by Forest Holidays to support the launch of ‘Nestflix’, a tongue-in-cheek, alternative streaming-style platform featuring aptly titled shows such as Beaky Blinders and Game of Crows, filmed across British forests to help people better connect with our country’s wildlife.
The nature travel specialist is also partnering with the Get Birding podcast, hosted by Sean Bean, to celebrate the bird life found across the nation’s woodlands.
Gerry O’Brien, a forest ranger at Forest Holidays, said: “In today’s digital world, it’s easy to default switching on a screen to unwind – but often what we really need is to switch off properly.
“With Nestflix, we wanted to playfully remind people – via the kind of content they love – that the greatest show on earth actually isn’t found on a streaming platform – it’s happening all around us in nature.
“From birdsong at dawn to the fascinating drama of animals in our forests, the natural world offers the perfect antidote to endless streaming and sometimes, the best way to truly unwind is simply to log into nature.”
The downsides of screen exposure are well documented, with more than half (53%) agreeing it results in missing out on fresh air and physical activity, while just under a third (32%) also recognise it affects their sleep quality.
Despite this detachment, birdwatching is starting to experience a resurgence in popularity throughout the UK, with nearly half of respondents (44%) already taking part in the hobby – whether consistently or more occasionally.
This involvement is mirrored in schemes such as the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, which draws hundreds of thousands annually, while rising enthusiasm is also visible online, with posts tagged #birdwatching on social media platforms continuing to climb.
When weighing up a nature-centred getaway, 37% identified the opportunity to unwind and decelerate as most appealing, and for 26% they recognised this kind of retreat as a chance to boost mental health.
Notably, observing wildlife in its natural environment leaves the most enduring impressions for people while away, with 37% of those surveyed via OnePoll stating forest walks have remained with them most vividly.
Gerry O’Brien added: “Our research shows many people feel disconnected from nature, but it’s encouraging to see that they realise the benefit in spending time outdoors and the hugely positive effect that can have on how we feel.”
BIRDS BRITS ARE LEAST LIKELY TO IDENTIFY IN THE WILD:
- Willow Warbler
- Blackcap
- Woodcock
- Dunnock
- Skylark
- Lapwing
- Chaffinch
- Jackdaw
- Great Tit
- Rook
- Goldfinch
- Wren
- Red Kite
- Kestrel
- Thrush
- Swallow
- Mallard
- Starling
- House Sparrow
- Kingfisher
- Woodpigeon
- Blue Tit
- Heron
- Puffin
- Barn Owl
- Pheasant
- Blackbird
- Swan
- Robin
- Seagull
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