Charity Sounds Alarm on Alarming Decline of Key Insects in Northern Ireland

A charity has cautioned that the decrease in insect populations in Northern Ireland is "alarming."

Each year, Buglife conducts a Bugs Matter "splatter survey," during which individuals tally the number of insects found on their vehicle’s license plates following trips and log these numbers via an application.

The most recent data from Northern Ireland indicates that the population of flying insects in rural areas has decreased by 55% since 2021; however, the pace at which their numbers are dropping seems to be decelerating.

Across all the UK countries, the count of insect splatters has decreased by 63%.

This year, the survey will be extended to include the Republic of Ireland.

It opened on Wednesday.

'If food is your thing, then you'll love our insects.'

Hannah Fullerton from Buglife in Northern Ireland stated that insects play a vital role in our well-being.

I often point out that those who enjoy eating should appreciate our insects.

They also perform various useful tasks, such as breaking down wood or leaves scattered about and aiding in feeding our mammals.

She mentioned that even though we may be relishing the unusually mild temperatures, they could potentially endanger our insect communities.

“Every time pleasant sunshine appears, our insects emerge thinking it’s their cue to start working,” stated Hannah.

Then all at once, rainfall starts, causing temperatures to plummet, which can be incredibly harmful for our invertebrate species as they emerge from hibernation.

This is also due to climate change, a significant problem we face alongside the excessive use of herbicides and pesticides.

The yearly five-month-long survey is conducted by the Kent Wildlife Trust.

"This dramatic reduction in insect collisions within a brief period is quite concerning," stated Dr Lawrence Ball from the Trust.

Most probably, what we're observing includes the cumulative impact of an underlying trend of decrease along with a temporary phase of decline, possibly connected to the severe weather patterns experienced in recent times.

Fingers crossed, an increase of 6% from last year suggests a decelerating decrease.

An increased number of trips originating from Northern Ireland would assist in uncovering the general pattern.

Aid nature in healing itself

Expanding the research into the Republic of Ireland is deemed "an essential subsequent phase," according to Rebecca Lewis from Buglife NI.

"To gather data on the health of insect populations on an all-Ireland basis will provide essential data to support future nature restoration efforts."

Planting wildflowers, letting weeds grow and leaving some wood or small piles of stones in our gardens can help support our vulnerable insects, like solitary bees, said Hannah.

"If we get nature back it'll help look after itself."

• Something has gone wrong for insects, says charity

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