Following another year of deeply concerning insect decline, the 2025 Bugs Matter Survey has launched, offering everyone a simple yet powerful way to contribute crucial data. The latest findings from the 2024 survey reveal a staggering 63% drop in flying insects across the UK since 2021, underscoring the urgent need to understand and address this crisis. Read the full report from Buglife and Kent Wildlife Trust here.
Andrew Whitehouse from Buglife stresses the importance of taking notice of these warning signs of ecological collapse and take urgent action to restore nature:
"The latest Bugs Matter data suggests that the abundance of flying insects in our countryside has fallen again. The consequences are potentially far-reaching, not only impacting the health of the natural world, but affecting so many of the free services that nature provides for us. Human activities continue to have a huge impact on nature, habitat loss and damage, pesticide use, pollution, and climate change all contribute to the decline in insects. Society must heed the warning signs of ecological collapse, and take urgent action to restore nature."
What You Can Do To Help
Ready to become part of the solution? Participating in the 2025 Bugs Matter survey is easy and every extra record counts. Simply download the free mobile phone app and record the insect splats on your vehicle number plate after your journeys between 1 May and 30 September.
Bugs Matter is spreading its wings
Participation in Bugs Matter is growing and the number of journeys recorded in 2024 far exceeded previous years, thanks in part to a fantastic new partnership with Openreach, owner of the UK’s second largest commercial van fleet. This year, the Bugs Matter survey is expanding into the Republic of Ireland thanks to Amazon Web Services IMAGINE Grant.
To find out more about the Bugs Matter Survey and download the app, visit the Buglife website.
More ways you can help
- Use alternatives to peat: Protect vital peatland habitats and reduce CO₂ emissions.
- Put away the pesticide spray: By eliminating the use of pesticides, we can help thousands of insects instantly.
- Be less tidy in your garden: Create havens for insects by letting grass grow longer and sowing wildflowers.
- Watch your footprint: Reduce your impact on climate change, a growing threat to insects.
- Join a wildlife organisation: Support vital conservation work by Buglife or your local Wildlife Trust.