Surge in 18–25-year-old new members as National Trust annual report reveals growth of 39%

Young persons’ membership has experienced a surge over the last financial year (March 2024 – February 2025), with over 40,000 new members, suggesting young people are prepared to spend their money and time on immersion in nature, history and beautiful surroundings.

Initial insight from the current financial year shows that this trend is set to continue. Overall, young membership of the National Trust has continued to grow, increasing by 16% from start of March to end of July 2025.

Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust said: “It’s heartening and humbling to see more young people choosing to become National Trust members, despite the financial pressures faced by so many. This generation cares deeply about nature and their heritage, and their support give us real hope for the future. We want the National Trust to be here for future generations. We’re working hard to meet the needs of younger and newer audiences - whether it’s a place to recharge, connect with nature, explore heritage, or take action on the climate and biodiversity crises.”

Recent research has demonstrated that young people’s interest in history and heritage is as strong, if not stronger, than older adults. A research report by the National Trust and Public First, released in May, showed the deep cultural and emotional connection people across the UK have with their historic landmarks. In-person experiences such as visiting heritage sites and participating in local events, were cited as being crucial for learning about and engaging with local history. Notably, younger people (aged 18-44) were more likely to visit heritage sites, landscape, and culture than older generations.

Research carried out by Historic Houses around the same time confirmed that a majority of today’s young people are interested in visiting historic sites. It also found that cost and getting there are the biggest barriers to doing so: 58% cited high entry fees as their reason for not visiting. However, the growth in young person’s membership at the National Trust demonstrates that young people are prepared to spend money on visiting green spaces and historic places when they can.

The importance of nature and time spent outside in green spaces to people’s physical and mental health is well-documented. Mya-Rose Craig one of the National Trust’s Ambassadors, is a 23-year-old British-Bangladeshi birder, conservationist and environmentalist.

Mya-Rose said: “It’s wonderful to see more young people joining the National Trust. Nature has always been a huge part of my life, and I know how powerful it can be – whether it helps you feel grounded, inspired, or simply gives you space to breathe. Seeing more young people choosing to connect with nature and heritage in this way gives me real hope for the future. It shows they care, and that they want to help protect these places for everyone.”

The National Trust’s Regeneration Challenge group is the charity’s youth network, made up of staff and volunteers aged 16–30. The network acts as the voice of young people in the in the charity and collaborates with like-minded organisations to ensure they’re represented within the wider sector.

Corinne Whiteley and Lillie Mason, Co-Chairs of the National Trust’s Re-Generation Challenge Group said: “It’s clear that today’s young people are passionate about the natural world and our shared history. Life and our future feel fragile – growing pressures from the cost-of-living crisis, climate anxiety and the influence of social media – but nature and heritage spaces bring a sense of calm, safety and connection. Conservation charities like the National Trust are uniquely placed to provide those spaces. Through greater collaboration with and representation of young people in our work, we are seeing our charitable purpose resonate more and more with our generation, which is fantastic to see.”

Young persons membership at the National Trust costs £4 a month or £48 a year. Currently, new young members choosing to pay by annual Direct Debit can bring a friend for free for one of their visits.

Overall, visitors to pay-for-entry places in the National Trust’s care grew by 2% year-on-year compared with the previous financial year. Membership held relatively stable at 5.35 million (compared with 5.38 million in 2023-24) whereas paying visitor figures increased by 5%, continuing a trend seen last year, where cost pressures meant that visitors were more likely to ‘pay on the day’. More details on the charity’s 2024-25 financial year can be found in the National Trust’s Annual Report.