Given the recent cold spell and its impact on British wildlife, awareness of the risks facing our native species is on the increase. A new survey has today revealed that 93 per cent of us are self-proclaimed animal lovers, not just in words but in deeds with 80 per cent actively encouraging wildlife in our gardens and 69 per cent admitting they would book a holiday around the opportunity to see wildlife.

This emerging travel trend has been identified by cottages4you, which has accommodation located close to national wildlife sites in addition to properties with specific wildlife features such as outside cameras and bird boxes.

The research, commissioned by the holiday letting agency also found that bird-watching is no longer perceived to be a geeky hobby, with only 15 per cent of people viewing it this way. In fact just five per cent of people said they would keep their bird-watching hobby a secret. A third of people (32 per cent) say they have visited an RSPB nature reserve, one in four (27 per cent) have been in a hide and a whopping four out of five of us (79 per cent) admit we look up birds we see out and about but can't identify, with one in five regularly using a smartphone to distinguish species.

Nick Rudge, managing director at cottages4you, said: "Our research has shown some interesting statistics regarding the UK population's love of wildlife. With two thirds of us seeking wildlife-related holidays and the patterns we are seeing in our own bookings, we really are a nation that not only appreciates the array of wildlife on our doorstep, but wants to see more of it.

"Our research also showed that one in 20 people have no outside space of their own. With a huge range of properties located in areas of natural beauty, and 70 per cent of our UK properties having a garden, a cottage holiday can offer the perfect opportunity to get out into the great outdoors and explore what wonders nature has to offer."

Nearly two thirds of respondents to the research (65 per cent) believe traditional English garden species are in danger. The top five birds people would like to see more regularly are*:

1. Robin
2. Blue tit
3. Woodpecker
4. Owl
5. Chaffinch

Top five most spotted animals in the garden were revealed to be:

1. Hedgehog
2. Frog/toad
3. Squirrel
4. Fox
5. Bat

Spokesperson for the RSPB, Gemma Butlin, is encouraged that so many people enjoy bird-watching on holiday: "This cold, late spring has highlighted just how much trouble nature can be in. The care so many people give to wild birds in their gardens really can give them a boost.

"The RSPB's nature reserves do the job on a grand scale across the country - giving nature a safe home. No matter where you choose to take your holiday then there's bound to be a great place to and enjoy wildlife."

ENDS

*the most commonly seen garden species of these are the Great Spotted Woodpecker and the Tawny Owl.

For more press information or images about cottages4you, please contact press@lucre.co.uk or speak to Gemma, Naomi, Hannah or Katie on 0113 243 1117.

About cottages4you

cottages4you, voted best UK Cottage/Self Catering Booking Company at the 2012 British Travel Awards, is part of the Hoseasons Group (THG), the UK's leading supplier of self-catering holiday accommodation with a portfolio of over 27,000 properties across the UK and Europe. THG is comprised of a variety of customer facing brands and brand families, available through travel agents or direct over the telephone or internet. THG is part of Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN).

About the RSPB

The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way. www.rspb.org.uk/join