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

The conservation charity, which preserves historic sites and natural landscapes across the UK, highlighted this growth as a positive indicator for the future of both nature and heritage. Rene Olivieri, chairman of the National Trust, emphasized the significance of young people’s involvement. “I’m thrilled that so many young people want to be part of this cause,” he said.

A young person’s membership is priced at £4.20 per month or £50.40 annually, which is half the cost of a standard adult membership. Data from the charity shows that Stourhead in Wiltshire, Calke Abbey in Derbyshire, and Attingham Park near Shrewsbury were the most frequently visited sites by young members during the last financial year. Calke Abbey, in particular, saw an increase in visitor numbers following the release of the Peaky Blinders film “The Immortal Man,” which was filmed at the location.

The National Trust’s report coincided with the annual Heritage Open Days festival, which took place through September 20. During this period, members of the public were offered exclusive tours and free entry to many heritage sites, giving them opportunities to explore hidden parts of historic buildings and grounds.

While celebrating the rise in memberships among younger generations, Olivieri also expressed concern about the state of the natural world they are inheriting. He noted that young people face diminishing cultural opportunities and environmental decline due to previous generations’ decisions. “We owe it to them to put that right and make nature and culture part of every young person’s life, whether that’s at the places we care for or outside them,” he said, adding that engaging young people on their terms is crucial.

Claudia Hayes, a 25-year-old National Trust collections and house officer, also praised the increase in young members. Hayes, who manages the History With Claudia social media accounts with over 10,000 Instagram followers, described the upward trend as a sign of genuine and growing interest among young people in history and heritage. “This type of participation is so important,” Hayes said. “If we can engage young people now and get them to form positive associations with heritage and nature, then they will be more likely to care for these things in future.”