Survey reveals shocking insect decline across UK since 2004

A citizen science project has found that the abundance of flying insects in the UK has plummeted by nearly 60% over the last 17 years.

The findings of the 2021 Bugs Matter survey highlight a worrying trend and the crucial need for insect-focused conservation research nationwide.

The results, which have been published in a report, show that the number of insects sampled on vehicle number plates by citizen scientists across the UK reduced by a staggering 59% between 2004 and 2021. These findings are consistent with research which has widely reported declining trends in insect populations globally.

Winged insects of many kinds are in sharp decline across the UK (Neil Loverock).

Insect counts differed across the UK, but there was no positive news for insects in any of the UK nations. England suffered the greatest decline with 65% fewer insects recorded in 2021 than in 2004. Wales recorded 55% fewer insects, while Scotland saw the smallest decline, but still with 28% fewer insects in 2021 when compared to 2004 figures. Too few surveys were conducted in Northern Ireland to analyse and draw conclusions. The observed declines are statistically significant and are indicative of a worrying pattern.

Matt Shardlow, Chief Executive Officer at Buglife, said: "This vital study suggests that the number of flying insects is declining by an average of 34% per decade, this is terrifying. We cannot put off action any longer, for the health and wellbeing of future generations this demands a political and a societal response, it is essential that we halt biodiversity decline – now!"

The Bugs Matter project, led by Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife, with from a number of other wildlife conservation organisations, is one of the UK's few citizen science surveys of insect abundance that generates important data.

Inspired by the 'windscreen phenomenon' – a term given to the general observation that people are seeing fewer insects squashed on the windscreens of their cars today compared to several decades ago – Bugs Matter enlists the help of the public to monitor the health of the UK's insect populations.  The concept is simple: before making an essential journey in a vehicle, clean the number plate. After each journey, count the insects squashed on the number plate using a 'splatometer' grid, which is posted to you when you download the free Bugs Matter app. A photo and count details are submitted via the app.

A 'splatometer' applied to a car number plate (Buglife).

Insects and other invertebrates are critical to a healthy functioning environment. They pollinate most of the world's crops, provide natural pest control services, decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients into the soil. Without them, life on earth would collapse.

Counting insects not only gives an estimate of the abundance of insect life in our towns and countryside, but is also a measure of the health of our environment. Insects are essential to supporting and maintaining a healthy environment, so when their numbers fall that is an indication that nature is in trouble.

Insect numbers can also show where wildlife is recovering, and so Bugs Matter can be used to measure how the work of conservation organisations and others is helping nature's recovery. The results from these ongoing surveys inform a growing requirement for conservation research, policy and practice targeted at insects in the UK.

Paul Hadaway, Director of Conservation at Kent Wildlife Trust, said: "The results from the Bugs Matter study should shock and concern us all. We are seeing declines in insects which reflect the enormous threats and loss of wildlife more broadly across the country. These declines are happening at an alarming rate and without concerted action to address them we face a stark future. Insects and pollinators are fundamental to the health of our environment and rural economies. We need action for all our wildlife now by creating more and bigger areas of habitats, providing corridors through the landscape for wildlife and allowing nature space to recover."

The 2022 survey begins on 1 June and runs until 31 August. Taking part is quick, free and easy; anyone can take part by downloading the Bugs Matter app for iOS or Android. Find out more about the survey at the Bugs Matter website. Read the Bugs Matter 2021 Full Technical Report here.