Ruth MottramJun 2, 2023
We have hit the 10 out of 10 drought index in #Copenhagen.
Our garden pond has a water level about 10cm lower than it should be. The plants in the garden are starting to suffer. None of the toads we heard calling appear to have bred successfully this year, though there are plenty of newts.
The rainwater tank is empty.
No rain in the forecast for at least the next 2 weeks.
#Drought23 #Tørke23
#ClimateDiary
Show threadPauline von HellermannJun 2, 2023
@Ruth_Mottram very similar here in #Sussex #Southeast #UK. Very very dry, can’t see any toads (normally many rrom our neighbours’ pond), and no rain forecast. Also: very few insects. This is something a lot of people have noticed. Lots of #WildFlowers but no insect. Maybe because of #Drought or becsuse it’s been so cold? Not sure. #ClimateDiary
Show threadGareth Kitchen
@pvonhellermannn
When I was a child, my Dad had to clear the windscreen of bug splats each time he took the car out. I don't have to do that at all now. No swallows this year either. No cuckoos for the last five.
@Ruth_Mottram
Jun 2, 2023 at 7:19amWeb
Show threadEva ChandaJun 4, 2023
@gruff @Ruth_Mottram @pvonhellermannn
You're right, surveys using car "splatometers" have confirmed the downward trend in UK and other countries. You can even get involved with a citizen science project in the UK.
https://news.sky.com/story/car-number-plate-squashed-bug-survey-shows-terrifying-decline-in-number-of-flying-insects-12605662
Car number plate 'splatometer' survey shows 'terrifying decline' in number of flying insects

Sky
Show threadEva ChandaJun 4, 2023
@gruff @Ruth_Mottram @pvonhellermannn
Here's the project link:
https://www.buglife.org.uk/get-involved/surveys/bugs-matter/
Bugs Matter ~ Take part in our Bugs Matter survey

Citizen science - The Bugs Matter survey We need lots of people to take part this summer, sharing findings from their journeys to help us understand more about our insect populations!

Buglife