DO you know your robin from your wren? Or your swallow from your swift?

Knowsley Safari is on the hunt for an Official British Bird Spotter – and the successful volunteer will still be at school.

The popular Merseyside attraction wants its newest member of the team to be between eight and 15 years of age and applications for the role are set to be massive.

Interest in the native birds of Britain is at a high following the announcement of the results of the poll to crown the National Bird of Britain – that was won by the robin.

However, in a poll carried out by Knowsley Safari of its young visitors, 19% could name the Hen Harrier and just 46% had seen the birds in real life.

To get youngsters ready for the role, Knowsley Safari has produced a fun list of bird facts that are available to download from its website – such as the do’s and don’ts of bird feeding and how to make your garden more appealing to our feathered friends.

The Knowsley Safari site also has a kit offering hints and tips on how best to protect native birds.

The successful youngster will go on to provide updates for the Knowsley Safari blog about native birds over summer.

Rachel Scott, head of marketing at Knowsley Safari, said: “With so many British bird species to spot at Knowsley Safari, we thought the time was right to appoint our very own bird aficionado of the future.

“The successful applicant must be a team player  - we don’t want them to ruffle any feathers – and their knowledge must be faultless, so don’t try to wing it.”

The lucky applicant will be selected by the learning and discovery team.