Looking Back on Life in the Undergrowth

Stag beetles (Lucanus cervus) © Dragiša Savic

This Wednesday (21st December) the BBC series Life in the Undergrowth draws to an end with a fascinating insight into the world of the social insects. With the sounds of an epic battle between Matabele ants and termites still ringing in our ears we reflect on a fantastic set of programmes showcasing the amazing world of invertebrates. Buglife would like to congratulate the BBC and all of those involved in producing a great series that will hopefully open more peoples' eyes to invertebrates.

Almost 5 million people tuned in to the first episode, and this interest was reflected by around 3000 visits to the Buglife website in the first week! Visitors to the Buglife website have been treated to a Life in the Undergrowth minisite with extra information about each programme, free poster-leaflets, and a chance to win David Attenborough's new book.

Crab spider (Diaea dorsata) © Dragiša Savic

Life in the Undergrowth has demonstrated to many of its viewers that invertebrates are essential. They are an integral part of the functioning of our planet's ecosystems. Without invertebrates the life support systems of our planet would collapse. However, we often forget, disregard, neglect, or harm them. Healthy invertebrate populations are of vital importance for the future health of the planet and the survival of many of its species, including us.

Unfortunately populations of invertebrates in the UK are not healthy. Due to the activities of humans on this planet, many species of invertebrate are in big trouble. Through the loss of wild areas to housing, industry, agriculture or forestry we are destroying the habitats that invertebrates depend upon to survive. Through the release of pollutants into the environment in the form of insecticides or industrial wastes, we are poisoning healthy ecosystems and killing populations of invertebrates. Through the insensitive management of land we are damaging invertebrate habitats.

This is why the work of Buglife is so important. We are working hard to prevent invertebrate extinctions and maintain healthy populations of invertebrates in the UK. We tell people all about invertebrates and how they need our help. We carry out research to find out why some species are in danger and what we can do to help them. We influence the UK Government and other decision makers to ensure that invertebrate populations and their habitats are protected. We promote the sound management of land and water to maintain and enhance invertebrate biodiversity.

However, we can't do this without your help; we rely on the support of our members to be able to continue to do this important work. By joining Buglife you are supporting research and conservation projects which directly protect the diversity of our British invertebrates.

Fourteen-spotted ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata) © Jon Mold

We would like to thank Sir David Attenborough for bringing the invertebrates to our screens; and series producer Mike Salisbury for his work, and for donating his time and efforts to 'sneak preview' fundraising event for Buglife in November.

Joining Buglife is easy, click here to find out how!

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