Wiltshire's Stourhead among top sites as young members surge for National Trust
Record number of young people join the National Trust
The National Trust has reported a record-breaking increase in young members, with more than 50,000 individuals aged 18 to 25 signing up for membership last year.
The annual report from the conservation charity reveals that 50,600 new young members joined between March 2025 and February 2026, marking a 26% rise from the previous year.
Rene Olivieri, chairman of the National Trust, expressed excitement over the growing interest among young people in conservation.
"The surge in young people joining a conservation charity is good news for nature and good news for heritage," Olivieri said.
Stourhead in Wiltshire has been noted as one of the most popular sites visited by these young members, alongside Calke Abbey in Derbyshire and Attingham Park near Shrewsbury.
Annual membership for young people is offered at £50.40, which is half the price of an adult membership.
Heritage Open Days festival is set to begin on 15th September, offering free entry to many National Trust sites until 20th September.
Olivieri highlighted the importance of engaging young people in heritage and nature, emphasizing the need for active efforts to involve them.
“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,” Olivieri said.
Claudia Hayes, a 25-year-old National Trust collections and house officer, underscored the significance of young people's participation in heritage activities.
“It’s fantastic that we’ve seen another big increase in young members,” Hayes said, noting the enthusiasm for history and heritage evident on social media platforms.