It's a bugs life – and there is reason for concern

The extent of insect declines has been highlighted by the results of the 2025 Bugs Matter citizen science survey published last week.

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The latest data show that the number of flying insects sampled on vehicle number plates across the UK has fallen by 59 per cent in five years.

Bugs Matter, the annual survey from Buglife and Kent Wildlife Trust, uses the method of monitoring insect splats on vehicle number plates and provides data about insect abundance.

Analysis of records from more than 25,000 journeys shows an annual average decline in bug splats of 19 per cent since the survey began four years ago.