Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography
Action for Insects
Our insects are in trouble
In the UK, our insect populations have suffered drastic declines, which are set to have far-reaching consequences for both wildlife and people.
With a third of our food crops pollinated by insects, and as many as 87% of our plants pollinated by animals (and in the majority by insects) there is a lot to lose. Much of our wildlife, be it birds, bats, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals or fish, rely on insects for food. Without them, we risk the collapse of our natural world.
A report, Insect Declines and Why They Matter, published in November 2019 by an alliance of Wildlife Trusts in the south-west, brought together evidence that showed the loss of 50% or more of our insects since 1970, and the shocking reality that 41% of the Earth's remaining five million insect species are now 'threatened with extinction'.
Ways you can help
Examples of action being taken
We are taking action for insects up and down the UK. From restoring habitat, working with land managers and councils, to reintroducing species, Wildlife Trusts are helping to restore our insect populations and calling for this work to be scaled up so that we can see them thrive once more. We have developed a partnership with Pesticide Action Network to influence Local Authorities to reduce pesticide use, and to support the establishment of more 'pesticide-free towns'.
