I'm one of a growing number of Gen Z birdwatchers - it helps my mental health
Summary
Caitlin Andrew, a Glasgow-based student from Midlothian, took up birdwatching at age 24 during a period of poor mental health. She says watching and listening to birds brought her calm and helped her feel more connected to her surroundings. RSPB research cited in the article estimates that the number of birdwatchers aged 16 to 29 in Britain rose from 61,000 in 2018 to 724,000 today.Key Facts
- Andrew first became interested in birdwatching during a family holiday on Islay about three years ago.
- Islay is known for its wild birds, with more than 120 species to spot during spring and autumn migrations.
- Andrew says birdwatching helped her feel peaceful and more connected to the environment.
- Andrew met young women birdwatchers through an Inverness chapter of the Feminist Bird Club, founded in New York in 2016.
- RSPB research estimates that Britain has more than four million birdwatchers, up from 2.7 million eight years ago.
- The RSPB study estimates that the number of birdwatchers aged 16 to 29 rose from 61,000 in 2018 to 724,000 today.
- Andrew's favourite birds include crested tits in the Cairngorms and gannets.
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