Moth numbers have declined more in UK woodlands over the last half century than in any other habitat, according to a new study.

Forest populations halved during 1968-2016 compared to average national losses of a third

A team of scientists led from Rothamsted Research found that populations have more than halved in broadleaf woodland, compared to average losses of 34% across the rest of the country.

Habitat loss, pesticides and urban light pollution have all been implicated in insect declines, but the new results show the greatest losses are occurring in broadleaf woodland, a UK habitat type that in fact increased in area during the study period and is relatively shielded from the effects of chemical and light pollution.