Habitats for invertebrates

Everyone needs somewhere to live, including bugs. In fact, invertebrates are happy to live in many places we would steer clear of, including brackish (salty) ditches, dead fungus and rotten wood. In each habitat they carry out a number of functions which help to maintain a healthy environment, from recycling decaying matter such as wood and vegetation, to enhancing soil fertility and helping keep rivers clean.

This section provides information on some of the key habitats for invertebrates, including brownfields, farmland, soft rock cliffs and freshwater. Many of these habitats are heavily influenced by human activity, and it is crucial that we conserve what's left of them. We need to ensure that our current needs and lifestyles don't impoverish wildlife habitats for future generations.

Further information

You can find further information on invertebrate habitats - including advice for land managers and farmers - by visiting these sections:

• Managing priority habitats for invertebrates - click on the link to find out about how to manage BAP priority habitats such as Lowland Heathland, Upland Hay Meadows and Coastal Grazing Marsh.
• Managing farmland for invertebrates - click on the link to download our leaflets on grassland, hedgerows, woodland and ponds/ditches, and find out about agri-environment schemes that benefit invertebrates and other wildlife.
• Quality Assurance of UKBAP Invertebrate Signposts - click on the link to download our 2009 report on the Quality Assurance of the list of invertebrate signposts

Note: In future we hope to expand this section to include other habitats.