Thousands join epic mission to measure the health of insect populations across the UK and Ireland

The Bugs Matter survey, an annual citizen science project from Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife, has captured the imagination of nature lovers nationwide. Using the simple but ingenious method of monitoring insect splats on vehicle number plates, the project provides crucial data about insect abundance across the countries. 

The 2025 numbers so far tell an impressive story of public engagement: 

• 8,581 journeys logged covering 243,597 miles; 

• 40,837 bug splats meticulously counted and recorded; 

• Participants spanning from the Scottish Highlands to Cornwall's coast; 

• Top Bugs Matter citizen scientists have logged an incredible 377, 310 and 288 journeys each. 

"These insects might be small, but their role in our ecosystem is enormous," explains Buglife’s Paul Hetherington (Director of Fundraising and Communications). "By joining thousands of other citizen scientists, you're not just counting bugs - you're helping to build the scientific foundation for protecting the creatures that pollinate our crops, decompose waste, and keep our natural world functioning." 

The South East of England has emerged as the current champion of bug counting, with participants there logging 2970 journeys, more than anywhere else. But with East of England (1,282 journeys) and the South West (825 journeys) hot on their heels, the final weeks promise an exciting race to the finish line - but please do not make journeys just for the sake of counting bug splats. 

The beauty of Bugs Matter lies in its simplicity. Download the free app, clean your number plate before a journey, drive as normal, then count and photograph the insect splats on your number plate. It is citizen science that anyone can do - no PhD required! 

Top 'splatters' share their secrets for staying motivated: 

• Recruit your counters: turn family car trips into science missions; 

• Stay prepared: keep a cleaning cloth handy to remind you to wipe your number plate before each journey; 

• Go visual: download free printable posters and dashboard reminders to keep the mission front of mind 

This year marks a milestone expansion, with the survey reaching into the Republic of Ireland for the first time, thanks to an AWS Imagine Grant. This expansion represents a crucial step toward understanding insect populations across the entire British Isles. 

"Every splat tells a story," adds Kent Wildlife Trust’s Rosie Bleet (Ecological Evidence & Citizen Science Lead). "What might seem like an unfortunate end for these tiny creatures actually provides invaluable scientific data that helps us understand how our insect populations are faring." 

There is still time to get involved - the 2025 survey concludes on Tuesday 30 September, giving bug enthusiasts another month to contribute to this vital conservation effort. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or just popping to the shops, get involved and make sure every journey counts. 

Ready to become a bug-counting hero? Download the Bugs Matter app today and transform your next car journey into a mission to help our insects.