Gen Z leads birdwatching boom as more Britons reach for the binoculars

Birdwatching is the second fastest growing hobby for generation Z after jewellery making, according to a multiyear study of more than 24,000 people. Almost 750,000 gen Zers (16 to 29-year-olds) in Britain regularly enjoy watching birds, a -1,088% increase since 2018, according to research by Fifty5Blue published by the RSPB . Regular birdwatching has been embraced by all generations over the past eight years, with a 47% increase overall. Among millennials it has risen by 216% alongside a 66% increase in gen X birders. Jess Painter, 24, a member of the RSPB’s Youth Council, said she had noticed more young people birdwatching, with knowledge and passion shared in new ways on social media. “ 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,” she said. “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 adviser at the RSPB, said: “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. “It’s something that everyone can do, no matter how much or little they know about birds. …