The Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) has begun a drive 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.
These insects rely on lowland peatlands, 96% of which have been lost due to human activity. LWT has been restoring habitats by rebuilding water systems and replanting specialist vegetation and is now seeking £20,000 to complete the project.
“These insects play vital roles in the ecosystem,” the trust said, noting their importance in pollination, decomposition, and controlling invertebrate populations.
Senior nature recovery officer Dr Matt McMullen explained that the species would struggle to survive without help, but restored habitats and public support could allow them to return.
