A significant fall in Kent’s insect numbers is ‘incredibly concerning’ say the wildlife experts behind a new report into the health of the county’s wildlife.

Flying insect numbers have plummeted by 89% since 2004 suggests the latest Bugs Matter survey, which counts the number of creatures caught on vehicle number plates.

The citizen science survey - led by Kent Wildlife Trust and organisation Buglife – is run by a network of volunteers based around the country who record insect splats after car journeys.

Since the first reference survey back in 2004 – analysis of more than 26,0000 car journeys has shown continuing decreases in bug splats culminating in the latest results from trips tracked in 2023.

Insects are critical to the ecosystem as they pollinate crops, provide natural pest control, decompose waste and recycle nutrients, and underpin the food chains that support birds, mammals and other wildlife.

Without insects, the planet's ecological systems - makes clear the report - would collapse.

Dr. Lawrence Ball from Kent Wildlife Trust added: "These results are incredibly concerning and illustrate the scale of the crisis facing insect populations in Kent and the UK.

“A decrease in the number of insects sampled of more than 75% in less than two decades nationwide is terribly alarming and could have devastating consequences.

“Insects are critical to the survival of our planet as we know it - a world without them is a shocking thought indeed.”

The new 2023 data shows decreases in insect splat rates across all areas of the UK - with the sharpest fall between 2004 and 2023 recorded in England at 83%.

Scotland saw a 76% drop, while Wales experienced a 79% decrease over the same period. Northern Ireland, with more limited data, showed a 54% decline between 2021 and 2023.

Andrew Whitehouse of Buglife says it’s clear that the abundance of flying insects in the countryside has dramatically fallen.

He said: “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. The Bugs Matter findings are similar to other studies which have documented declines in insect abundance from around the world.

“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”.

Further monitoring, say the report’s authors, is now needed to understand potential longer-term trends but they stress that the current pace of decline is ‘unsustainable’.

The group is now on the lookout for more volunteers to join the next study to further understand population patterns. Anyone with an interest in getting involved should click here.

Andrew Whitehouse added: “Without your help we would not have this crucial data on the health of our insect populations and our environment. We are relaunching the survey in May this year, and hope that lots more people will join in.”