Surge in young NT members

THE National Trust says it has seen a surge of young people joining its membership for 18 to 25-year-olds in the last 18 months.

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The conservation charity’s annual report, released today (Monday), shows more than 40,000 signed up last financial year - between March 2024 and February 2025, marking a 39% year-on-year increase.

Initial insights from the current financial year show this trend continuing, the Trust added, with young membership numbers increasing by 16% from the start of March to the end of July 2025.

A young person’s membership costs £4 a month, or £48 a year, and new joiners paying by Direct Debit can bring a friend for free on one of their visits.

The National Trust said the rise in numbers aligns with its recent findings that young people's interest in history and heritage is strong, if not stronger than older adults.

It also pointed to the well-documented physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature and green spaces.

Mya-Rose Craig, the 23-year-old British-Bangladeshi environmentalist and National Trust ambassador, said: “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.