Big Bug Count

The essential car accessory is a "Splatometer" - a cardboard grid designed to help count how many splats there are on your number plate at the end of a journey.

The count is being carried out by the RSPB because many species of birds who depend on insects for their food are in decline and to see if there is a similar decline in the insect population. As well as being essential for pollinating crops and plants, creepy crawlies are a key food source for wildlife, including birds.

Peter Barron, Lake District National Park Authority Ranger, applauded the RSPB's campaign and said colleagues were happy to support such a worthy cause.

"The Big Bug Count is a lot of fun with a very serious element," he said. "Some species, like swallows and house martins, are in decline and this exercise will help assess the state of their insect food source."

Bill Kenmir, warden of the RSPB Haweswater reserve, added: "Despite the importance of insects to birds, there has been little monitoring of their quantity and a large-scale study is needed to back up anecdotal information that insects have declined in numbers. By taking part in the Big Bug Count on even just one journey, motorists in the National Park can help us to look at how insect declines may be affecting some of the county's best-loved birds."

Anyone can join in the RSPB Big Bug Count. Call the count hotline on 0870 787 5577 or visit the RSPB website www.rspb.org.uk/bugcount where, throughout June, there will be an on-line survey form, with a printable "Splatometer" template.