The Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) has launched a project to bring back three rare species once common on the region’s peat bogs: the large heath butterfly, bog bush cricket and white-faced darter dragonfly.
These insects rely on lowland peatlands, 96% of which have been lost to human activity. LWT has restored habitats by rebuilding water systems and replanting specialist vegetation, and is now appealing for £20,000 to complete the work.
“These insects all play vital roles in the peatland ecosystem,” the trust said. The butterfly aids pollination, the cricket breaks down plant matter and feeds birds, and the dragonfly keeps invertebrate populations in balance.
Senior nature recovery officer Dr Matt McMullen added that the species would struggle to recover naturally, making habitat restoration and public support essential for their return.
