Patrick Barkham

The Guardian presents the 10 finalists in its 2026 Invertebrate of the Year competition, including woodlice, jellyfish, nudibranchs, cicadas, stick insects, dragonflies, bumblebees, worms, horseshoe crabs and flying squid. Readers can vote for their favourite until midnight BST on 16 August, with the winner due to be announced on 18 August.

The moscardón bumblebee (Bombus dahlbomii), a giant ginger species native to the temperate forests of Patagonia, has been nominated for invertebrate of the year. It is a key pollinator of native plants, including species with red flowers that most bees cannot detect, but its populations have sharply declined after European bumblebees were introduced to Chile for commercial agricultural pollination. The invasive bees outcompete the native species, spread pathogens and help non-native plants expand. Eradication is no longer considered feasible, while researchers are using bioacoustics to study the endangered bumblebee and promote biodiversity conservation.

The Lord Howe Island stick insect, also known as the tree lobster, was driven to near extinction after black rats introduced by a 1918 shipwreck wiped out its island population. Live insects were rediscovered on Ball’s Pyramid in 2001, after which a breeding pair was taken to Melbourne Zoo and the species was successfully propagated in captivity. Thousands have since been raised in zoos, while the eradication of invasive rats and mice from Lord Howe Island in 2025 has created prospects for reintroduction. Although perhaps only 50 remain in the wild, additional individuals were found in 2026, making the species a powerful example of conservation recovery and resilience.

Patrick Barkham answers Guardian readers’ questions about the 2026 Invertebrate of the Year competition and the diversity, resilience and ecological importance of invertebrates. He discusses declining flying-insect populations, habitat loss, pesticides, climate change and the need for more wildlife-friendly gardens and landscapes. The Q&A covers unusual reproductive strategies, the northward spread of the southern small white butterfly, invertebrate survival during heatwaves and drought, the immortal jellyfish’s regeneration, tardigrades allegedly carried to the Moon, and the biology and cultural history of woodlice. Barkham argues that humans depend on invertebrates for essential ecosystem services and should learn to live more neighbourly alongside other species.

The leaf sheep sea slug, Costasiella kuroshimae, is a rice-grain-sized species found in tropical waters around Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines. It grazes on algae but also uses kleptoplasty to retain the algae’s chloroplasts in leaf-like structures on its back, allowing it to perform photosynthesis and obtain energy from sunlight. Its vivid green coloring provides camouflage and chemical defenses, while its popularity has grown through underwater and macro photography. The species is a leading candidate in the 2026 Invertebrate of the Year vote, with voting scheduled for 12–16 August and the winner due to be announced on 18 August.

The common woodlouse is celebrated for its remarkable diversity of names, long evolutionary history and important ecological role. As a detritivore, it breaks down rotting plant matter and wood, helping decompose biodegradable materials, while its ability to tolerate and store heavy metals may help stabilise pollution in compost. Reader stories and affectionate descriptions highlight its familiarity and resilience, with the species presented as a strong contender in the Guardian’s 2026 Invertebrate of the Year vote.

The audio examines a pioneering rewilding project on a farm in Lincolnshire, where an aristocratic landowner hopes to show that restoring ancient woodlands and freshwater wetlands can protect nature while also generating income. It explores whether rewilding can provide a viable alternative to intensive farming in England.

A large rewilding project in Lincolnshire led by Charles Burrell and Nattergal seeks to transform Boothby Lodge Farm from intensive agriculture into a nature-rich landscape financed through biodiversity net gain credits, carbon credits and future ecotourism. Community reactions vary from enthusiasm to strong scepticism, particularly over weeds, fencing and delays to livestock introduction. Ecological restoration is progressing, with new wetlands, ponds and the introduction of beavers driving rapid increases in biodiversity. Financial agreements, including a major carbon credit deal with Arup and the registration of more than a thousand BNG units, support the long-term model. Despite political and local headwinds, the project is beginning to show substantial ecological recovery across formerly depleted farmland.

Genetic research shows the British swallowtail butterfly has been a distinct subspecies for at least 200,000 years, far earlier than previously thought, indicating it once inhabited wetlands across northern Europe. The findings strengthen arguments for renewed conservation efforts as rising sea levels and habitat salination threaten its survival in the Norfolk Broads. Experts warn that the more adaptable continental swallowtail may spread into Britain, but targeted habitat protection and translocation of the wetland-dependent britannicus, along with cultivation of its sole reliable food plant, milk parsley, could help secure its future.

Scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute are sequencing tardigrade genomes as part of a broader effort to map the DNA of all life on Earth. Researcher Witek Morek collects specimens and prepares them for analysis using advanced low-input sequencing methods that allow work with extremely small quantities of DNA. The project aims to understand tardigrade evolution and the genetic basis of their resilience, with potential applications in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture. The effort forms part of the Tree of Life programme, which is accelerating genome sequencing across thousands of species and contributing to global biodiversity research.

A call for public nominations for the Guardian’s 2026 Invertebrate of the Year competition highlights the diversity and ecological importance of invertebrates while outlining rules barring previous winners and human nominees. The piece encourages global participation, describes notable species, and details the timeline for submissions, shortlisting, and final voting.

Wakelyns, a pioneering agroforestry farm in Suffolk, must raise £1.2m to transition into a community benefit society as part of an effort to secure its long‑term future. Founded by Martin and Ann Wolfe and now run by their son David Wolfe and his wife, the farm demonstrates high‑diversity, low‑input agriculture and hosts multiple small enterprises integrated into its production system. Supporters emphasise its ecological value, educational role and economic potential, while the funding shortfall risks forcing a sale on the open market. Visitors, collaborators and local farmers view Wakelyns as a rare model for sustainable land use and fear the loss of its research and community benefits if the transition fails.

A long-term study of swifts in Devon shows that 94% return to the same nest sites each year, emphasizing the importance of protecting nesting locations as the species faces significant decline. Conservationists warn that the loss of nest sites in renovated buildings threatens the already vulnerable birds, while Scotland has mandated the installation of swift bricks in new homes and England has not. Local groups continue to expand efforts to support swifts, reopening nest sites and caring for grounded chicks as rising temperatures pose additional risks.

A new large-scale puppet called Poppet is performing in Ashdown Forest as part of celebrations marking 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh, aiming to reconnect children and underrepresented communities with nature. Created by arts charity Trigger, the psychedelic shapeshifting creature encourages engagement with the landscape while subtly communicating conservation messages such as the importance of managing gorse and bracken. The initiative highlights ongoing efforts to preserve Ashdown Forest’s rare heathland habitat and seeks to inspire a new generation to value and protect the area, echoing the legacy of AA Milne and his son Christopher Robin.

Volunteers in Somerset spent six weeks embodying animals such as otters, salmon, kestrels and earthworms to understand the risks wildlife faces in human‑dominated landscapes. Guided by researchers from the University of the West of England and ASRA, participants focused on sensory experiences to report how factors such as dogs, trains and fragmented habitats affect animal survival. Their emotional testimonies highlighted how environmental disruptions create hostile conditions for wildlife, supporting broader movements to recognise non‑human perspectives. The study will be developed for academic publication and aims to encourage local action to restore the River Tone.

Robin Hanbury-Tenison, a 90-year-old rainforest campaigner, is attempting a 104‑mile water‑bike journey down the River Thames to raise funds for a new temperate rainforest research station on his Cornish farm. Supported by his son Merlin, he aims to complete the challenge despite health issues and a heatwave. The Thousand Year Trust, which is overseeing the project, has backing from multiple universities, and actor Russell Crowe has pledged matching funds to boost the fundraiser. The initiative seeks to advance research and conservation of the UK’s vanishing temperate rainforest habitat.

The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, estimated to be around 1,000 years old, has died after failing to produce leaves following years of heat stress, drought, and human impact. Conservationists link its decline to climate change, soil compaction from tourism, historic structural interventions, and changes to the surrounding environment. The RSPB’s recent efforts restored some soil health but could not reverse the damage. The tree will remain standing due to its ecological value as deadwood, while experts call for stronger legal protections for ancient trees as similar losses continue across the UK.

Research shows honeybees mix pollen from diverse plant sources to create nutritionally balanced bee bread and royal jelly for larvae. Experiments comparing amino acid profiles of bee tissues and pollen from nearly 100 plant species found that most pollens do not match bees’ nutritional needs. Honeybees compensate by blending and processing pollen, while adult bees adjust their intake when nutrients are imbalanced. Findings indicate that pollinator-friendly planting schemes should prioritise not only flower abundance but also diversity to support bee health.

The peacock butterfly topped Butterfly Conservation’s first nationwide poll to identify Britain’s favourite butterfly, receiving the most votes among more than 20,000 participants. Common garden species dominated the top five, while rarer butterflies such as the swallowtail and purple emperor ranked lower. Butterfly Conservation celebrated the strong public engagement and expects high numbers of peacock sightings in the upcoming Big Butterfly Count, which begins on 17 July. Large populations of painted lady butterflies are also anticipated following recent arrivals from Africa.

Global mapping of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi reveals an estimated 110 quadrillion kilometres of underground networks that support most plant life and store carbon. Researchers report significantly lower fungal densities in cropland compared with wild ecosystems due to practices such as tilling and heavy fertiliser use. Grasslands, including regions in Florida and South Sudan, contain particularly dense networks but face increasing degradation and limited protection. The findings underscore the role of fungi in nutrient distribution, carbon storage and waterway protection, and highlight opportunities for agricultural practices that support fungal health. Scientists plan to present the data to governments ahead of desertification talks in Mongolia.

Shaun Hancox, formerly a shaper of golf courses, now applies his earth-moving skills to create clean-water ponds that support rewilding efforts across Britain. Working with conservation groups including Heal Rewilding and the Newt Conservation Partnership, he designs ponds tailored to the ecological needs of species such as great-crested newts. The projects emphasize rain-fed, unconnected ponds to avoid nutrient pollution, enabling rapid establishment of aquatic plants, insects and birdlife. Conservation teams identify suitable locations, ensure long-term maintenance and integrate surrounding terrestrial habitat, with the work contributing to broader efforts to restore freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity in England.

Heatwaves and favourable southerly winds have triggered the largest migration of painted lady butterflies into Britain in 17 years, with significant numbers seen along the east coast and into northern England. The species’ rapid breeding cycle is expected to produce a large British-born generation within weeks, coinciding with the annual Big Butterfly Count. Experts from Butterfly Conservation attribute the influx to strong breeding conditions in southern Europe and North Africa, and note the arrival of other rare migrant moths aided by the same weather patterns.

Species diversity at a rewilded former dairy farm in Somerset has risen sharply over three years, with significant increases in birds, bats, butterflies and small mammals. Heal Rewilding highlights natural processes such as restored streams, beaver activity and free‑roaming herbivores as key drivers of ecological recovery. The project involves volunteers and community groups, and seeks to build long‑term data to support wider recognition of rewilding in national conservation strategies.

A new play, Butterfly, reimagines the life of naturalist Eleanor Glanville in a modern setting to highlight how her passion for butterflies was weaponized against her in an abusive marriage. Written by Claire Jackson and staged at the Phoenix theatre, the play draws parallels between 17th‑century misogyny and contemporary online abuse while exploring themes of gaslighting, mental health, and neurodiversity. Performances by Sally McIlhone and Elizabeth Blake emphasize Eleanor’s struggle for autonomy and recognition, celebrating her resilience and enduring legacy.

The nearly completed 2,700‑mile King Charles III England Coast Path is explored through five scenic walks across Northumberland, the Wash, Somerset, Chichester Harbour and the Fylde coast. Each section highlights wildlife‑rich landscapes, historical sites, transport options and local stops, showing how new access routes reveal less‑visited coastal stretches. Writers describe the varied terrain, solitude, heritage sites and nature reserves while noting seasonal access, tidal conditions and improvements such as boardwalks. The walks demonstrate the path’s potential to disperse visitors and showcase diverse English coastal environments.

A nationwide poll launched by Butterfly Conservation invites Britons to vote for their favourite butterfly from 60 native species. The initiative highlights public affection for butterflies and raises awareness of their varying conservation statuses. Five featured species—the purple emperor, small copper, small tortoiseshell, large blue and swallowtail—are profiled, noting distinctive traits, population trends and environmental pressures such as global heating. The large blue’s successful reintroduction is emphasised as a conservation triumph.

A community-led initiative called WallFest has been launched in West Yorkshire to raise funds and awareness for the deteriorating boundary wall built by nineteenth-century environmentalist Charles Waterton around what is considered the world’s first nature reserve. The events highlight Waterton’s pioneering conservation work, his innovative wildlife practices, and the historical and social factors that shaped his legacy. The Friends of Waterton’s Wall charity seeks to preserve the remaining structure, much of which is collapsing due to age and invasive ivy, while drawing attention to Waterton’s progressive but complex personal history. The effort aims to safeguard the wall’s heritage and reinforce recognition of Waterton’s contributions to environmentalism.

Rising concerns over increasingly short school skirts have led some UK secondary schools to introduce trousers-only policies for girls, prompting renewed debate over the purpose and effectiveness of school uniforms. The article reviews the long history of uniform disputes, student resistance, and shifting cultural attitudes, while examining research showing little evidence that uniforms significantly improve discipline or academic performance. Critics argue that strict dress codes reflect adult discomfort and issues of power rather than educational need, and note that students consistently find ways around new rules. Ultimately, uniform controversies highlight deeper tensions between institutional control and teenage expression.