Almost three-quarters of a million Gen Z-ers in Great Britain now regularly enjoy birdwatching, making it their second fastest growing hobby
- Massive 10-fold increase in 16 to 29-year-olds (Gen Z-ers) regularly birdwatching since 2018, and numbers are still on the rise
- Research published ahead of International Dawn Chorus Day on Sunday 3rd May, when the symphony of birdsong reaches its peak each spring
- The RSPB and its President, NHS and TV Doctor, Dr Amir Khan, are encouraging people to set their alarms a little earlier this weekend to experience the joy – and health benefits – of birdsong and nature
Research from Fifty5Blue* (previously Kantar), published by the RSPB ahead of International Dawn Chorus Day, shows that almost three-quarters of a million Gen Zers (16 to 29-year-olds) across Great Britain now regularly enjoy birdwatching, representing a huge 10-fold (1088%) increase since 2018**. With numbers of young birdwatchers continuing to rise, it’s one of Gen-Z’s fastest growing hobbies, second only to jewellery making***.
More widely, there has been a 47% increase over the past eight years in numbers across Great Britain who regularly birdwatch, equating to over four million people. And whilst we have seen the largest uptake in the hobby from Gen Z, there has also been a 216% increase in the number of Millennials and a 66% increase in Gen X birdwatchers.
Reflecting on the research, Jess Painter, 24, from the RSPB’s Youth Council, said: “I’ve noticed more and more young people birdwatching – and I love how this is shifting it into a hobby that’s more accessible, less jargonistic and cool! On social media in particular people are redefining what it is to be into birdwatching, sharing knowledge and passion.
“When I’m watching birds, I’m not thinking about anything else – it’s a moment of peace and a way to reconnect with nature, and with myself. By taking a moment to be curious, to watch, listen and learn, you open yourself up to endless small moments of wonder.”
Molly Brown, 29, a wildlife expert at the RSPB, said:“People of all ages are discovering the joy that connecting with nature brings. It’s brilliant to see so many young people choosing to get into birdwatching. This new research shows that watching birds is no longer a niche or old-fashioned pastime and is attracting a younger, more diverse crowd. And it’s something that everyone can do, no matter how much or little they know about birds. It’ll inspire you to get outside and discover beautiful green spaces, exercise and generally slow down, which everyone can benefit from.”
The new findings have been revealed ahead of International Dawn Chorus Day which takes place on the first Sunday in May. It marks the moment each spring when the symphony of early morning song reaches its peak, performed by birds looking for love and to defend their patch. This year, the RSPB is encouraging people to set their alarms a little earlier than usual to tune in to listen to the joy of birdsong at dawn.
Molly added: “Most of us are asleep when the dawn chorus happens, but it’s truly a sound worth waking up for. There’s no right way to experience it, whether you listen from your bedroom window, walk along a riverbank or through a woodland, or visit a nature reserve. The most important thing is that you’re ready to hear it around 45 minutes before dawn, when the air is still and the light is low. It can be an unbelievable spectacle – and if you’re not already into watching birds, you very likely will be after experiencing the dawn chorus.”
NHS and TV doctor Dr Amir Khan, President of the RSPB, said: “As a GP, I talk to many of my patients about what can happen when we go outside, into our gardens, local green spaces, parks or nature reserves. It helps lift our mood, actively stimulating serotonin, a brain chemical which makes us feel happier. Hearing birdsong, especially during the dawn chorus when they’re at their loudest and most beautiful, can produce more serotonin and make us feel good.”
As well as the joy that connecting with nature and listening to birdsong can bring, research has found that it brings a multitude of benefits to our mental and physical wellbeing, and that watching birds may even slow age-related cognitive decline.
Dr Amir continued: “For millennia, humans have evolved alongside nature, so it’s inherent that we want to connect with it. There’s even a scientific term for this theory, the biophilia hypothesis, which means we actively seek out nature, and a perfect example of this is listening to birdsong – hearing a Blackbird or a Song Thrush singing is one of the purest joys of life. When we connect with nature, we not only feel an urge to protect it – we also take care of ourselves.”
This International Dawn Chorus Day, the RSPB is encouraging people to set their alarms 45 minutes before dawn and step outside, or open a window, and soak it in. RSPB reserves are some of the best places to hear the dawn chorus in full effect. If you’d like to hear it echoing through the trees at first light, join one of our guided Dawn Chorus walks at a local RSPB reserve: https://events.rspb.org.uk/dawnchorus
