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A quarter of Brits are unsure they could tell the difference between a robin and the red kite. A poll of 2,000 adults revealed barn owls, pheasants and blue tits are among the list of birds the nation struggles to identify - despite them being well known species and native to the UK. Kestrels, starlings and even herons also featured 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% claim they are more likely to spot animals on screens than see them outside their window or while on walks.

It also emerged 36% watch ambient nature content online to relax, but 83% acknowledge when they have spent time around wildlife, they've felt better for it.

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 drawbacks of screentime are widely acknowledged with more than half (53%) admitting they feel it leads to missing out on fresh air and physical movement, while just under a third (32%) also believe it impacts their sleep quality.

Despite this disconnect, birdwatching is beginning to enjoy a surge in popularity across the UK, with nearly half of those surveyed (44%) already engaging with the pastime - whether regularly or more casually.

Participation is reflected in initiatives such as the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch, which attracts hundreds of thousands each year, while growing interest is also evident online, with posts shared under #birdwatching on social media platforms is increasing.

When considering a nature-based escape, 37% found the chance to relax and slow down most motivating and for 26% they acknowledged this type of break as an opportunity to improve mental wellbeing.

Interestingly seeing wildlife in its natural habitat creates the most lasting memories for people while away, with 37% of those polled via OnePoll claiming forest walks have stayed with them most.

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."