Extinction of Insects Threatens Surrey Wildlife, and Our Own Lives

Published on: 25 Nov, 2019
Updated on: 26 Nov, 2019

Bumblebee – photo D Smith

A frightening new report from a group of Wildlife Trusts has revealed a drastic drop in insect numbers in Britain, with 41 species facing extinction.

In 2017, the State of Surrey’s Nature reported 34 per cent of invertebrates already extinct in the county or heading towards that fate.

Insect populations are dying out up to eight times faster than larger animals, said invertebrate expert Dave Goulson, biology professor at the University of Sussex, author of the latest report, Insect Declines and Why They Matter.

Insects are needed to pollinate three-quarters of our food crops and are the main food source for many birds, fish and smaller mammals higher up the food chain.

In Surrey, sharp declines towards extinction have been recorded in many invertebrate groups from bumblebees (42%), ground beetles (51%) and butterflies (44%) to caddisflies (42%), freshwater snails, slugs and mussels (34%) and hoverflies (25%) (source:

Common ground beetle – photo Alan Price

A further 18% of the other 200 bee species in Surrey are either threatened or extinct. Individual species such as the shrill carder bee is now extinct in Surrey and other familiar insects such as dung beetles, May bugs, pond-skaters and the garden tiger moth are in decline locally.

The new report also highlights the real and lasting knock-on impacts on insect-eating birds, bats and fish, and also the cost to society in terms of the millions of pounds in lost revenue and broken ecosystems. But with habitat loss and fragmentation and nearly 17,000 tonnes of pesticides spread across the landscape every year in the UK it is no surprise that insects are in trouble.

But the report also suggests a clear path to reversing the rate of decline, with measures that could stop what is an imminent ecological disaster.

The Trusts believe that with co-ordinated and concerted action from government, local authorities, food growers and the public, insect populations can recover and thrive once more to fulfil their critical role in the ecosystems that support all life.

May bug or cock chafer – Photo Nick Upton

Dr Kate Basley, citizen scientist co-ordinator at Surrey Wildlife Trust, said: “Surrey’s beautiful landscapes and green spaces are rapidly becoming inhospitable green deserts for wildlife. Everyone must do their bit to halt the extinction.

“We must start creating more insect-friendly habitats and reduce pesticide use on gardens, farms, parks and roadsides. There are simple actions that will help insect populations bounce back. It would be very sad to see the end of such wonderful insects like pond-skaters, May bugs and dung beetles here.”

Prof Goulson added: “Insects make up the bulk of known species on earth and are integral to the functioning of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, performing vital roles such as pollination, seed dispersal and nutrient cycling.

“They are also food for numerous larger animals, including birds, bats, fish, amphibians and lizards. If we don’t stop the decline of our insects there will be profound consequences for all life on earth.”

Wildlife Trusts across the country are calling for a new Environment Bill to secure the creation of a far-reaching and resilient nature recovery network to reverse the decline of insect populations and all wildlife.

The group is also supporting the introduction of an ambitious and legally binding pesticide reduction targets for the UK; a crucial step in safeguarding invertebrates.

Other countries in Europe already have such targets and are making significantly more progress than the UK towards achieving the urgently needed transition from routine use of harmful chemicals in urban green spaces, gardens and farmland.

This article is based on a Surrey Wildlife Trust press release.

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