28/10/2024

New Sussex Study film highlights the vital role played by GWCT in monitoring the UK’s invertebrates

Starting in 1970, the GWCT’s ongoing Sussex Study is the world’s longest running scientific study on invertebrates in the cereal ecosystem, providing a robust indication of the national picture. In the video Julie Ewald explains the implications of the 37% decline since 1970 revealed in her recent scientific paper. GWCT entomologist Steve Moreby reflects on more than 40 years of monitoring, and Hugh Passmore, who runs Applesham Farm, explains what farmers can do to help reverse insect declines.

For a free copy of the GWCT’s recently published advisory booklet based on decades of research into developing agri-environment schemes, download our Guide to Insect-Rich Farmland Habitats.

For a summary of the paper, visit Long-term Sussex Study shows insect abundance in arable fields has declined by 37% since 1970.

Comments

Insect Declines

at 14:39 on 29/10/2024 by Nick vZ

It is not just in Sussex. This decline is right throught this country and probably the world., Here in SW Scotland on what are esentially all grass farms, insects have declined by at least 80% since the 1970s. The only pesticides used are for thistles and docks and are only used when theses pests plants get over thick, maybe every 4th or 5th year on this farm and only on a few fields at a time; mainly by spot spraying. The insect declines are mirrored by most of the small birds esecially the insect eaters. The Swallows, Swifts, Martins, Flycvatchers. etc. All the small birds are disappearing under the weight of lack of food and predator numbers. If it aint the pesticides then what is causing these declines? Could it just possibly be microwaves. I've no idea if this is the case but its been in the back of my mind for a long time!

Insect monitoring video

at 8:24 on 29/10/2024 by Ian Fraser

Exactly why, in my limited way, I support GWCT

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