Part of our Step Into Nature campaign
Insect populations are crashing around the world, with scientists warning of alarming declines—even in protected areas. Birds and other animals that rely on insects for food are disappearing too, threatening the balance of entire ecosystems. While systemic change is needed, we can all make a real difference through small, everyday actions.
This July, as part of our Step Into Nature campaign, the KSCA is inviting everyone to a local bug hunt. It’s a fun way to explore local nature with friends or family—but it also supports our efforts to collect biodiversity data. This can help strengthen our case against the proposed Kingsway Solar Farm. By showing how rich and ecologically valuable this land is, we can push for stronger protection.
To take part, simply download the iRecord app to log your sightings of insects and other wildlife. Your records contribute to national biodiversity data and help conservationists and planners understand the ecological value of the land. Every photo and observation adds weight to the case that this area must be preserved.
Don’t worry if you’re not an insect expert—there are excellent online ID tools like Buglife’s ID guides and UK Safari to help you figure out what you’ve found.
As well as butterflies, which we have been recording in June, other insects you might spot include:
- Bees – bumblebees, honeybees, solitary species
- Hoverflies – often mistaken for wasps
- Ladybirds, beetles, shield bugs, and plant bugs
- Grasshoppers and crickets in tall grass
- Dragonflies and damselflies near water
- Moths, especially on evening walks
Bats and owls are crucial allies in insect conservation, feeding on moths, beetles and other flying insects throughout spring, summer and autumn. When these predators disappear, pesticide use tends to increase dramatically—so protecting them helps reduce the amount of chemicals on the land.
There’s growing evidence that our local area is home to a rich and surprisingly diverse bat population, including the Western Barbastelle (below), an incredibly rare species protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Looking ahead: Bats and owls in August
So if you’d like to get involved early, start logging bat activity now—we’ll be focusing on bats and owls throughout August. Every sighting adds to our collective knowledge and helps build the case for why this landscape should not be industrialised. Even if you can’t identify the species, it’s helpful to log bats on iRecord. (You can enter a bat in the normal way, but there is a special page here if you want to upload recordings)
Join us this July for the KSCA Bug Hunt. Every insect, bat and butterfly you spot helps us protect this vital ecosystem.
Whether you have just a few hours or can offer more regular help, every bit of support counts. Together, we can stand up for our local landscape and make sure our voices are heard.
If you’d like to get involved or want more information, please visit:
https://kingswayaction.org/contact
Small copper butterfly in my garden in Brinkley 29 th June