Overview

• The RSPB asked gardeners to leave fallen fruit, delay cutting flowering ivy and seed heads, keep log and leaf piles, and plant spring bulbs to bolster insects.
• The Woodland Trust recommended planting native trees and shrubs this season and building small bug hotels using natural materials to shelter overwintering minibeasts.
• The call to action cites the 2024 Bugs Matter survey, which reports a 63% drop in flying insects on UK number plates since 2021.
• Year‑to‑year results show an 8% fall from 2023 to 2024 after sharper declines of 44% in 2023 and 28% in 2022, indicating a recent slowing in the rate of loss.
• The RSPB says steps taken now could improve resources for robins, blackbirds and sparrows in 2026.