Projects in Development

Although some information relating to earthworm distribution and abundance exists, no systematic attempt has been made to bring this together. This project will ensure that these vitally important creatures feature more prominently in agricultural, environment and conservation policy and public thinking.

Engaging a new generation of invertebrate enthusiasts is a key challenge for Buglife. The Education and Outreach Officer will focus on visiting schools and other youth related events to encourage a younger audience to take an active interest in invertebrate conservation.

Gardens have become central to the survival of bumblebees. The Big Garden Bumblebee survey is a three year project encouraging the public to record bumblebees in their gardens. Those taking part will be given advice and support on how to improve their garden for bumblebees. We are currently seeking funding for the project.

Insensitive methods of beach cleaning are having a detrimental effect on strandline habitats and their invertebrate faunas. This project aims to study the importance of strandlines for the conservation of rare and restricted invertebrates and the impacts of beach cleaning methods on this community.

Although there is conclusive evidence that many groups of invertebrates - including bumblebees and butterflies - are in rapid decline, there is no overall picture of the wellbeing of the UK's invertebrates. This project will draw together new and existing information to provide a comprehensive snapshot of how the world's most important organisms are faring.

There is a clear increase and diversification in the trade of live invertebrates imported into the UK, with little knowledge of the impacts this may be having on our environment. This project will undertake a sustainability and risk assessment of the trade in invertebrates.