This week I ticked off a nature reserve on my list by visiting Arne in Dorset. Upon arriving, I was surprised to see that under 24s could enter for free. Asking the volunteers at the welcome centre, they told me that the waived entry fee was part of an initiative to encourage more 16-24 year olds to visit RSPB sites.
Whilst financially happy to save a little money, it made me slightly sad to think that it has been noticed that my age group are not regulars at these locations. The RSPB launched their unlock nature campaign to allow free entry for 16-24s in April this year. On their website, they quoted cost being one of the biggest barriers for young people and so have worked to remove it. Understandably, people in this age bracket are also often very busy- figuring out themselves, careers, the next steps. This incentive makes it a little easier for them to access nature and encourages those that wouldn’t think to visit to visit.
My knee-jerk reaction to the free entry was, in reflection, a pessimistic one. Instead of trying to persuade an uninterested audience, the RSPB are instead supporting an enthusiastic growing one! It is a great misconception that nature reserves cater only for older people and families. The power of these spaces to support and inspire the inbetween years is profound.
A recent BBC news article I read discussed the rise in ‘Gen Z birdwatchers’. In the article, they referenced RSPB research stating that more than 750,000 people aged 16 to 29 regularly enjoy watching birds in Britain, a more than tenfold rise since 2018. This is reportedly part of a rise in practical hobbies and sobriety in young people. The BBC even quoted NHS research stating that young adults aged 16–24 were now the most likely to be non-drinkers (25%). Whilst these figures are very general and a sweeping trend can not be applied to a generation- it is comforting to know young people are getting out and enjoying the environment! All age groups can benefit from engaging more with these places for their own wellbeing and to support the vital conservation efforts at play in each location.
Whilst I am here and writing about nature reserves, let me share my newfound love for Arne! It is well worth a visit for spectacular views across a variety of habitats including low heathlands and saltmarshes overlooking Poole harbour. If you’re lucky you might spot ospreys, white-tailed eagles, and spoonbills. It is also one of only a few places in Britain where you can find all six native reptiles: sand lizard, adder, smooth snake, grass snake, common lizard, and slow worm. One thing that struck me was the sheer amount of dragonflies! The dragonfly pond there is populated with species like the Four-spotted Chaser and Emperor dragonfly, and they can be spotted right across the reserve.
Whilst I have innate faith that people my age are interested in the outdoors and when possible, do venture to experience it – I can’t express enough how important it is to experience. In the times that we live in, for people my age a breath of fresh air is essential. So, whilst I believe many already subscribe to being in nature, if you are reading this and haven’t immersed yourself recently- go! Take the bare essentials and allow yourself some quiet time outdoors. Notice the rich landscapes around you and take in the reaffirming presence of continuous lifetimes and beauty in nature.
If you drive past an RSPB brown sign or a Forestry England site, stop by and explore! You may just find an hour’s peace from your busy life or spot a species you haven’t seen before.
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