The Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) has begun a project to reintroduce three rare species—large heath butterfly, bog bush cricket, and white-faced darter dragonfly—once common across Lancashire and Greater Manchester’s peat bogs.
The insects’ lowland peatland habitats have been reduced by 96% due to human activity. LWT has been restoring these areas by rebuilding water systems and replanting specialist vegetation, and is now appealing for £20,000 to complete the work.
“These insects play vital roles in the peatland ecosystem,” the trust said. The butterfly aids pollination, the cricket helps decompose plant matter and feeds birds, and the dragonfly keeps smaller invertebrate populations in balance.
Senior nature recovery officer Dr Matt McMullen said the species would struggle to recover on their own due to limited mobility and habitat needs, but with restored peatlands and public support, they could thrive once more.
