Insect Decline Threatens Farmland Birds: 50-Year Study
A groundbreaking 50-year study by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) has revealed a dramatic decline in insect populations on English farmland, with potentially devastating consequences for birdlife.
The Sussex Study, the world's longest-running scientific investigation into cereal ecosystems, has monitored insect numbers and farming practices since 1970. The data shows a 37% overall decline in insect abundance, with particularly sharp falls in beneficial predators like ground beetles and ladybirds. These insects are crucial food sources for farmland birds, whose populations have plummeted by 60% since the 1970s.
While insecticide use has decreased in recent years, the increasing use of herbicides has led to a decline in "chick food" insects, according to GWCT entomologist Steve Moreby. This has had a severe impact on bird species like partridge, skylark, and yellowhammer.
Despite the challenges, the GWCT has developed practical solutions for farmers to boost insect populations and enhance biodiversity without compromising yields. A new guide outlines steps farmers can take to create insect-rich habitats, such as beetle banks, hedgerow restoration, and pollinator mixes.
The study emphasizes the importance of continued government support for agri-environment schemes, which have proven effective in increasing bird numbers and improving farm sustainability. By working together, farmers and conservationists can reverse the decline of insect populations and protect vital farmland habitats.
Key findings from the study:
A 37% decline in overall insect abundance since 1970.
Significant drops in beneficial predators like ground beetles and ladybirds.
A 90% decline in aphids, a key food source for many invertebrates.
A 50-80% decline in insects that are crucial for farmland bird chicks.
A link between herbicide use and the decline in "chick food" insects.
What can be done:
Implement agri-environment schemes to create insect-rich habitats.
Reduce herbicide use and adopt integrated pest management practices.
Support research and development of sustainable farming methods.
By taking action, we can help restore insect populations and protect our valuable farmland ecosystems.
