Older drivers have long noticed fewer insects hitting their windscreens, and now data confirms a dramatic decline. A recent survey shows a shocking 63% drop in flying insects splattered on vehicle number plates across Britain since 2021.

The findings come from over 25,000 journeys logged by citizen scientists using the Bugs Matter app, run by Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife. Although the decline slowed in 2024—with an 8% drop from the previous year—it followed much steeper decreases of 44% in 2023 and 28% in 2022.

“This huge decrease in insect splats over such a short time is really alarming,” said Lawrence Ball of Kent Wildlife Trust. “Its most likely that we are seeing the compounding effects of both a background rate of decline as well as a short-term cycle of decline, perhaps linked to the extreme climate in the UK in recent years.”

The data indicates reductions across all UK nations. Scotland recorded the steepest fall at 65%, followed by Wales at 64%, England at 62%, and Northern Ireland at 55%.

These trends echo other scientific studies showing significant declines in British insect populations, including butterflies and moths.

Andrew Whitehouse, of Buglife, said: “The latest Bugs Matter data suggests that the abundance of flying insects in our countryside has fallen again. The consequences are potentially far-reaching, not only impacting the health of the natural world, but affecting so many of the essential services that nature provides for us.

“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.”

Engineers from telecoms company Openreach, who regularly travel for work, contributed around 10% of the journeys in the survey, helping to build a broad national picture.

The Bugs Matter survey returns for 2025, running from 1 May to 30 September, and will now also include the Republic of Ireland. The project invites anyone with a vehicle to take part. Participants simply download the free app, record their journeys, and count the insect splats on their number plates.

The continuing decline raises concerns about broader ecological impacts, as insects are essential for pollination, food chains, and ecosystem health.

 

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At Natural World Fund, we are passionate about restoring habitats in the UK to halt the decline in our wildlife.

 

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