The UK and its diverse habitats support over 40,000 invertebrate species, such as bees, beetles, butterflies, spiders and worms. Invertebrates are vitally important to a healthy planet – humans and other life forms could not survive without them. Today, thousands of invertebrate species are heading towards extinction. We will not halt the crisis without urgently reversing habitat loss and degradation, mitigating climate change, cleaning-up polluted waters, and adopting sustainable farming.

Important Invertebrate Areas are nationally significant places for invertebrates and their habitats. These incredibly special sites support populations of our rarest little creatures, such as the stunning Ladybird Spider and exquisite Blue Ground Beetle, as well as nationally important habitats, such as fragile peat bogs and ancient forests. By prioritising these special places and ecosystems, we will save species from extinction. If this work does not happen, many species will be lost forever.