The Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) has begun a drive to reintroduce three rare species—the large heath butterfly, bog bush cricket, and white-faced darter dragonfly—once common across Lancashire and Greater Manchester’s peat bogs.
These insects rely on lowland peatlands, 96% of which have been lost due to human activity. LWT has been restoring habitats through peatland rehabilitation, rebuilding water systems, and replanting specialist vegetation, and is now appealing for £20,000 to complete the project.
“These insects play vital roles in the ecosystem,” the trust said, noting their importance for pollination, decomposition, and controlling invertebrate populations.
Senior nature recovery officer Dr Matt McMullen added that the species would struggle to recover on their own, but with restored habitats and public support, they could make a successful return.
