It will come as little surprise to many to learn that a long-running study into insect populations in cereal crops – the Sussex Study – has shown a decline, linked to the intensification of agriculture over many decades. What is startling, however, is the extent of that loss.
A recent assessment of the study, which dates back to 1968, by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), shows that insect abundance had declined by 37% in the 50 years up to 2019.
Numbers of ground beetles and ladybirds have fallen by 80% and 78% respectively, both classed as beneficial predators, while a 90% reduction was recorded in numbers of aphids, a food source for invertebrates.
Beetle banks are particularly good at harbouring predatory beneficial insects such as ground beetles, ladybirds and spiders. When in close proximity to crops, the invertebrates will eat nearby pests.
Broad- and fine-leaved grasses can provide different functions within beetle banks. For example, tussock-forming grasses are important as overwintering sites for invertebrates, and herbs can be added for greater diversity.
I’d never heard of beetle banks before. Interesting article, definitely worth a read.
