The National Trust has reported a significant rise in young memberships, with more than 50,000 individuals aged 18 to 25 joining the charity in the past year, marking a 26% increase compared to the previous period. According to the National Trust’s annual report, published earlier this month, 50,600 new young members signed up between March 2025 and February 2026, following a record of 40,200 young members in the prior year.

Rene Olivieri, chairman of the National Trust, described the surge as positive news for both conservation and cultural heritage. “I’m thrilled that so many young people want to be part of this cause,” he said. The young person’s membership is priced at £4.20 per month or £50.40 annually—half the cost of a standard adult membership.

The Trust’s data identified Stourhead in Wiltshire, Calke Abbey in Derbyshire, and Attingham Park near Shrewsbury as the most frequented sites by young members during the last financial year. Calke Abbey, in particular, has experienced increased visitor numbers following the March release of the film *Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man*, which was filmed there.

The report was released ahead of the annual Heritage Open Days festival, which ran until September 20. This event offers the public free access to special tours and opportunities to explore historic sites, with many National Trust locations waiving entry fees during the festival.

While celebrating the rise in young engagement, Olivieri highlighted concerns about the deteriorating natural environment and shrinking cultural opportunities faced by younger generations. “Young people in the UK are inheriting a declining natural world and many are facing diminishing cultural opportunities due to decisions made by generations before them,” he said. He emphasized the importance of reconnecting young people with nature and heritage, whether through the Trust’s properties or other community resources, and encouraged broader participation across all ages.

Supporting this perspective, Claudia Hayes, a 25-year-old National Trust collections and house officer, who runs a popular heritage-focused social media platform, noted the trend reflects genuine interest rather than a passing fad. “It confirms what I hear from young people on social media every day: they’re excited by history and heritage and want to get involved,” she said. Hayes stressed the importance of early engagement in fostering long-term care for heritage and nature.

The National Trust said it plans to continue efforts to engage young audiences on their terms, aiming to strengthen their connection to cultural and natural heritage for future generations.