Too-wit-too-Who? Why children know more about Daleks than delights of nature

ONE is a merciless killer that causes terror when it glides into action – the other is a Dalek.

But children are more likely to be able to identify the Dr Who baddie than the barn owl, according to a new survey.

A questionnaire by the National Trust discovered that youngsters aged ten to 12 were far more knowledgeable about TV characters than nature.

The results sparked concerns children spend too much time hunched over screens in darkened rooms, instead of enjoying the great outdoors.

One leading expert said a "sad modern phenomenon" had left youngsters "disconnected from the natural world".

The online questionnaire for the heritage and conservation charity found just 53 per cent of children surveyed could identify an oak leaf, while half could not tell the difference between a bee and a wasp.

One in three of the 1,651 failed to identify a magpie and only 47 per cent correctly named a barn owl on being shown its picture. And a third failed to recognise a red admiral, Britain's best-known butterfly.

In contrast, nine out of ten were able to name Dr Who's enemies, the Daleks, and a similar number recognised the Star Wars Jedi grand master, Yoda.

The television naturalist Nick Baker said: "It's a sad modern phenomenon that has left many of us, and in particular the younger generations, disconnected from the natural world."

He added: "In an age where Nintendos and PlayStations compete with tree-climbing and pond-dipping, the virtual world is winning.

"With more kids better able to identify a fictitious alien than our national tree, the oak, something needs to be done."

He said getting troubled children exploring nature could help to stop them turning to crime and antisocial behaviour.

"There will always be violence, but I think getting kids outside would help," he said. "A lot of crime is rooted in unhappiness, but I am pretty confident it is all part of 'a nature deficiency disorder'."

The survey is being used by the National Trust to encourage families to spend more time together outdoors. Its spokeswoman, Laura Brown, said: "There is ample opportunity to enjoy open space all around us. People are aware of National Trust houses, but there's also lots of parkland and country estates that people can visit."

Matthew Oates, a National Trust conservation adviser, said natural beauty and wildlife were vital to our wellbeing. He added: "We are part of nature – we need it, and we need the beauty, wonder and laughter it offers us."

Parents said they were concerned about the findings. Two-thirds said they knew more about wildlife when they were young than their children did. Of those questioned, 65 per cent felt they spent too little time with their children outdoors.

However, a Scots education expert said the findings were unfairly harsh for the majority of children who live in cities.

Judith Gillespie, of the Scottish Parent Teacher Council, said: "It all depends on the knowledge of those around the children and the opportunities they have to learn. Beyond the blackbird, robin and swan, I'd struggle to identify many bird species."