Unassuming hobby loved by pensioners now a trend for Gen Z after TikTok boom
Birdwatching has become a massive trend on social media among younger Brits - meanwhile an increasing number of us are jetting off for wildlife holidays instead of boozy getaways
If you thought birdwatching was a sport for retirees, you're mistaken – the newest enthusiasts of the trend are Gen Z. What's more, they're willing to travel to do it.
While birdwatching might have a bad rep for being boring, Gen Z are proving that it is anything but. You might be surprised to find that #birdwatching on TikTok has over 374K posts on the app – mainly featuring young TikTokkers exploring the outdoors, showing off their best cottagecore outfits, as well as sharing their most impressive bird sightings. But instead of being seen as nerdy, it has viewers inspired.
In fact, the growing popularity of the activity has even melded into Gen Z's growing interest in 'wildlife holidays'. Based on data gathered by the Travel Republic, searches for 'wildlife holiday' have increased by 336% over the past year. By comparison, searches for 'party holiday' decreased by 34%.
Travel Republic revealed: 'We are seeing more and more young people looking to take part in activities traditionally associated with older generations, especially when it comes to activities centred around wildlife."
They added: 'One major reason for this is that many Gen Zers are looking to spend their summer holidays in areas that are peaceful and centred around nature. Wildlife holidays are a great way to do this while also making unforgettable memories.'
Some of the most popular destinations they've found Gen Z travelling to on wildlife holidays include Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the US and Australia. However, not everyone is travelling to far-off countries to explore this hobby. It's also taking off as a trend in the UK.
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A British outdoor influencer, @emmy_explores, went viral after revealing her new favourite hobby: birdwatching. 'No words, just my RSPB guide and binoculars!!!' she said in her caption. The video garnered over 270K views and millions of comments.
Commenters were quick to share their own growing love for birdwatching. 'I've started at 23 and by far the best part is all the older birders who are so excited to see a young person birdwatching,' one user said. Others added that they had started birdwatching as a teenager.
'It's the best relaxing hobby anyone can join. Sitting down in nature watching nature!' one commenter explained the appeal. Many other comments also added their appreciation for 'dad hobbies'.
In Emmy's videos, she explores some of the UK's most famous beauty spots, like the Lake District. Sam Bentley is another popular UK-based ecologist who regularly posts videos of him performing 'bird surveys' which rack up thousands of views.
In the UK especially, this is becoming more important than ever. According to government data , bird species across the UK have declined by 2% between 2018 and 2023. However, when you look at just England, this figure rises to 7%.
One of the biggest causes of this are modern farmland practices according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird's (RSPB) State of Nature report 2023. This is largely due to the use of fertilisers and pesticides, which impact bird's food supply. As bird numbers fall hopefully Gen Z's reviving interest in these tiny dinosaurs will also lead to heightened awareness over their safety.
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