British people have a poor knowledge of trees with a third unable to identify common species like ash and elder, according to a new survey.

Researchers who polled 2,000 UK adults found six in 10 can’t identify a maple leaf or recognise the leaves of an oak tree.

A quarter of the survey's respondent's said they don't know which trees conkers come from, 34 per cent don’t know what species a Christmas tree is and 62 per cent can’t tell the difference between a birch and a beech.

Eighteen per cent said they think Wi-Fi is more important than trees, while 16 per cent said they have "no idea" what benefit they have to the planet.

The research was commissioned by Npower to celebrate National Tree Week which is taking place from 24 November - 2 December.

Laura McNamee, a spokesperson for Npower, said: “The research has shown that although we love our trees, the nation’s knowledge on one of our most vital natural assets is lacking.

“This is why helping to educate our customers to go green and our partnership with environmental charity Trees for Cities is so important to us.

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“We’re helping to plant a variety of trees across the UK so that residents of urban areas have the opportunity to reap their benefits too.”

The research also found the average person can name only five types of tree. Two-thirds of the survey's respondents said they wish they knew more about trees than they do currently.

One in 10 said they have lied about knowing a species of tree in order to appear more knowledgeable than they really are.

The research also found 90 per cent of people enjoy looking at or being around trees. Fifty-eight per cent said they feel calmer when around them.

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However, 27 per cent of the survey's respondents said they have never climbed a tree at any point in their life.

Laura McNamee added: “Trees aren’t just for aesthetics, and it’s great to see that the research has highlighted the effect of trees on people’s mood.

“They can have a huge impact in our local area too, from reducing noise and air pollution to providing habitats for new wildlife to thrive."