Getty ImagesThe conservation organisation Buglife said without insects, the planet's ecosystem "would collapse"Drivers across south-east England are being asked to count the number of insects which hit their vehicles as part of a nature survey.
Bugs Matter, organised by charities Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife, is a survey which is due to start on Wednesday and finish on 30 September.
The organisations said the study was to help them understand of the health of flying insects, which are crucial to the ecosystem.
Andrew Whitehouse, head of operations at Buglife, said he "strongly encouraged" people living in Kent, Surrey and Sussex to participate as the counties sit within one of the UK's richest regions for the variety of insects.
Kent Wildlife Trust says the Bugs Matter survey, which works by the public counting insect splats on their vehicle number plates after each journey, has already recorded a "staggering" 59% decline in flying insects from data recorded between 2021 and 2025.
Rosie Bleet, ecological evidence and citizen science lead at the trust, says the survey has also been extended to France.
"The expansion of Bugs Matter is hugely exciting. Given Kent's position as the gateway between Britain and the continent, it feels like a natural next step," she says.
"Extending our survey season and location means a better range of data, which will provide further insights into the plight of our insects."
Whitehouse says insects' role in the ecosystem includes pollinating crops, controlling pests, decompose waste and recycling nutrients.
He adds they are important parts of the food chain and support birds, small mammals, fish and other wildlife.
"Without insects, the planet's ecological systems would collapse," Whitehouse said.
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