Halve UK pesticide use to save insects, say conservationists

Wildlife Trusts report also calls for expansion of projects such as flower-rich road verges and butterfly reintroductions

The use of pesticides in the UK must be at least halved to reverse steep losses in insect abundance and boost the natural world that depends on them, according to a report.

It warns that insects are the canaries in the coal mine" of the natural world and that everyone, including the government, local authorities, community groups and individuals, needs to become insect champions.