South-East England Drivers Recruited to Help Track Alarming Decline in Flying Insects

Drivers Across South-East England Called Upon to Join Vital Insect Survey

A major citizen science initiative is urging motorists throughout south-east England to play an active role in monitoring the health of the nation's flying insect populations — simply by counting the bugs that land on their number plates.

What Is the Bugs Matter Survey?

Launched by conservation charities Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife, the Bugs Matter survey invites members of the public to record the number of insect splats found on their vehicle number plates following each journey. The campaign runs from this Wednesday through to 30 September, and participation requires nothing more than a car, a keen eye, and a willingness to contribute to vital ecological research.

The method may sound unconventional, but the data it generates is proving to be deeply significant. According to Kent Wildlife Trust, results gathered between 2021 and 2025 have already revealed a staggering 59% decline in flying insect numbers — a finding that has alarmed conservationists and scientists alike.

Why Kent, Surrey, and Sussex Matter Most

Andrew Whitehouse, Head of Operations at Buglife, has specifically urged residents of Kent, Surrey, and Sussex to get involved. These three counties collectively form one of the most insect-diverse regions in the entire United Kingdom, making the data gathered here particularly valuable for understanding broader national trends.

"I strongly encourage people living in this region to take part," Whitehouse said, emphasising that the area's rich biodiversity makes it an especially important monitoring zone.

The Survey Expands to France

In an exciting development, the Bugs Matter survey has now crossed international borders. Rosie Bleet, Ecological Evidence and Citizen Science Lead at Kent Wildlife Trust, confirmed that the project has been extended to France — a move that feels particularly fitting given Kent's historic role as the gateway between Britain and the European continent.

"The expansion of Bugs Matter is hugely exciting," Bleet said. "Extending our survey season and location means a better range of data, which will provide further insights into the plight of our insects."

This cross-channel collaboration is expected to deliver a richer, more comprehensive dataset that could reshape how scientists and policymakers understand insect population trends across northern Europe.

Why Flying Insects Are So Critical to Life on Earth

The urgency behind this survey stems from the irreplaceable role insects play within our planet's ecosystems. Whitehouse outlined the breadth of their contributions, which include:

• Pollinating crops that feed billions of people worldwide
• Controlling pest populations naturally, reducing the need for chemical intervention
• Decomposing organic waste and recycling essential nutrients back into the soil
• Supporting entire food chains, providing sustenance for birds, small mammals, fish, and countless other wildlife species

"Without insects, the planet's ecological systems would collapse," Whitehouse warned — a stark reminder of just how much depends on creatures we so often overlook.

How to Get Involved

Participating in the Bugs Matter survey is straightforward. After completing any journey, drivers are asked to count and record the number of insect marks on their front number plate. This simple action, repeated across thousands of vehicles, builds a powerful collective picture of insect activity across the region.

With flying insect populations already showing dramatic declines, every data point matters. This is citizen science at its most accessible — and most necessary.