These small, fascinating creatures, which have been around for millions of years, are now in peril and need our help. Three quarters of invertebrates are insects. As David   Attenborough recently said, “if the invertebrates were to disappear, the world’s ecosystems would collapse”.

So why are these small alien-looking creatures essential to our existence? The answer is that many crops rely on pollinators and others provide a healthy soil.  While searching for nectar and pollen, they are unwittingly fertilising our crops of coffee, chocolate, apples and much more. Up to 70% of the world’s food production by volume is wind pollinated but the food which gives us a nutritionally rich diet comes from fruits, vegetables, nuts and oils and these need insects.

Insects worldwide are in sharp decline. In the UK, the insect population has plummeted by 50% since the 1970s. So, what can we do and will it make a difference? Firstly, put away your pesticides: nature will find a balance. Ladybirds, ground beetles and ants eat pests. Provide water – even a small bowl will help. Somewhere to shelter and lay eggs is needed such as a log pile, bug hotel or long grass.

Have flowers, including wildflowers, with a range of colour, fragrance, shape and size to attract a range of bugs.  Insects have different mouth parts and need different shaped flowers. They also need year-round food so plant for all seasons. Double flowers are difficult to access and may not have any nectar or pollen: choose open flowers.

The area of gardens in the UK is greater than all our national parks. Letting nature into your garden builds corridors for wildlife so what we do definitely makes a difference! Join the Pollinator Pathway Project*, featured in the winter issue of Barrow Voice, to help our pollinators around the village. Contact Alison at wildaboutbarrow@gmail.com.

*This aims to increase the insect population by forming a group of residents to plant for insects using an app. The app designs the area you choose from an insect’s perspective and provides beautiful and bold planting schemes. Expert gardeners will be on hand to help.

Alison Rushton