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A fresh surge of young birdwatchers is revitalizing one of Britain’s oldest leisure activities, transforming it into one of the fastest-growing pastimes in the country. This resurgence is especially evident among Generation Z, who are embracing birdwatching with enthusiasm once thought rare in younger generations.
Ben Smith, a 23-year-old bird enthusiast, describes his ideal day as starting early, with a flask of tea and binoculars in hand, roaming his favourite local paths just before dawn. “I don’t necessarily have to see anything special,” he shared. “I write down everything I see, and maybe if I’m lucky I get a snap of a good bird on my camera.” Ben’s passion for birdwatching began in childhood during road trips across rural Scotland with his father, spotting various birds of prey like red kites, kestrels, peregrine falcons, and eagles. His involvement deepened through volunteering in a community garden, joining the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) youth council, and pursuing studies in zoology and ecology at the University of Glasgow.
Research conducted by Fifty5Blue and published by the RSPB reveals that nearly 750,000 young Britons in the Gen Z age group now regularly watch birds, representing an astonishing 1,088% increase since 2018. This growth makes birdwatching the second most popular hobby among 16- to 29-year-olds, trailing only jewellery-making. Across the UK, the total number of people engaged in birdwatching has reached over four million, marking a 47% increase over the past six years. Not only has interest surged among Gen Z, but it has also grown notably in millennials by 216% and Gen X by 66%.
According to Smith, the rise in interest among his peers stems partly from growing up amid the realities of climate change and biodiversity loss. “Our whole lives as young people, we’ve had this climate change and biodiversity crisis,” he said. “So I guess there’s just a bit more respect for the natural world around us.” He also credits a family influence, remarking on how his grandparents “always seem to know the bird calls.” Social media platforms have played a role in modernizing the hobby’s image, moving beyond traditional stereotypes by showcasing bird photos, identification tips, and sightings, which make birdwatching more accessible and appealing. Additionally, technology such as apps like Merlin and iNaturalist have lowered entry barriers by helping users identify and log birds more easily. Yet, Smith emphasizes that the social aspect of birdwatching remains vital: “I’ve made loads of friends through birdwatching, there’s always someone ready to help.” He encourages beginners to simply get outside, noting that even those without binoculars can start at RSPB reserves, which are free for 16- to 24-year-olds
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