Bugs Matter survey
Insects underpin our natural world, and their numbers can help us to better understand what is happening in our environment.
They are also a good indicator for measuring the success of our conservation work at landscape-scale.
Citizen science - The Bugs Matter survey
The survey uses an innovative insect sampling method conducted by members of the public to assess the difference in insect abundance over a number of years.
From 20 June - 31 August, we asked smartphone users to take part by downloading the free Bugs Matter app and submitting the number of squashed bugs found on their license plate after car journeys.
The methodology is based on the ‘windscreen phenomenon’, a term given to the observation that people tend to find fewer insects squashed on the windscreens of their cars compared to several decades ago.
Thank you to everyone who has taken part in Bug Matter over the last two years! You are helping us to understand insect decline so that we can work together to reverse it.
We want to repeat this survey every year to build up a better understanding of insect populations.
There is growing evidence of a decline in insects and other invertebrates at global scales, the consequences of which are potentially catastrophic. Patterns and trends in insect numbers are nuanced however, and there is a need for more data to fully understand what is happening.
Insects face mass extinction
Insects pollinate three quarters of our food crops, as well as being the main food source for many birds, small mammals and fish. Insects are a critical component of ecosystems and all life is at risk. Without them, life on earth would simply collapse.
You can help by taking part in our survey this summer as well as taking two simple actions for insects at home:
1. STOP killing insects by reducing our use of pesticides where we live, work and farm.
2. START to create more insect-friendly habitats in towns, cities and the countryside.
Take more Action for Insects
The use of the app in Essex was funded by one of Essex Wildlife Trust’s Investors in Wildlife, Ground Control, a multi-award winning external solutions provider, who will be getting their staff involved in the surveys too.