The Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) has launched a drive to reintroduce three species once common on the region’s peat bogs: the large heath butterfly, bog bush cricket and white-faced darter dragonfly.
Ninety-six percent of lowland peatlands in Lancashire and Greater Manchester have been lost, but the charity has been restoring habitats by rebuilding water systems and replanting specialist vegetation. It is now appealing for £20,000 to complete the project.
“These insects play vital roles in the ecosystem,” the LWT said, citing pollination, decomposition and population control.
Dr Matt McMullen, senior nature recovery officer, explained that each species faces unique challenges, from limited flight ranges to fragmented habitats. “We’re giving them the helping hand they need, but we can’t do it without public support,” he added.
