Insects aren’t just buzzing nuisances or little pests that invade our homes and picnics, they play an important role in keeping the natural world running smoothly. These tiny winged, crawling and hopping creatures contribute in ways most of us don’t appreciate. Insects, particularly bees, are crucial for pollinating the plants we eat, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Approximately 87% of all plant species need animal pollination, and insects are responsible for most of this.
Insects are the foundation of many ecosystems, supporting a wide range of species and contributing to overall ecological stability. They are a food source for animals, birds, amphibians, other insects, and a potential food source for humans, with some cultures eating insects as a regular part of their diet. They play a vital role in breaking down decaying organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil, which is essential for plant growth.
Insects provide us with products like honey, beeswax, silk, and dyes used in various industries. In short, insects are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting agriculture, and providing various resources, making them vital for human survival and well-being. Insects could survive without humans but we would be wiped out without them.
Last year was a very poor year for UK butterflies, ranking as the fifth worst for since records began. This year there are signs of recovery due to better weather conditions, however the overall picture will depend on the rest of the summer and factors like habitat loss and pesticide use. Following the 2024 results of the Big Butterfly Count, the Butterfly Conservation charity declared a butterfly emergency.
This year they are asking the public for help counting butterflies between July 18th and August 10th. By taking part in the Big Butterfly Count, you can help assess the health of our environment simply by counting butterflies and it only takes 15 minutes. More information can be found here, www.bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/
It is important to remember that the insects we are not keen on, such as wasps have important jobs. Wasps control caterpillars, greenfly, spiders and pollinate food crops.
