The Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) has begun a drive to reintroduce the large heath butterfly, bog bush cricket and white-faced darter dragonfly, species once common across Lancashire and Greater Manchester’s peat bogs.
These insects depend on lowland peatlands, 96% of which have been lost to human activity. LWT has been restoring habitats by rebuilding water systems and replanting specialist vegetation, and is now appealing for £20,000 to complete the project.
The insects play crucial roles in the ecosystem: the butterfly pollinates plants, the cricket aids decomposition and feeds birds, and the dragonfly preys on smaller invertebrates to balance populations.
Senior nature recovery officer Dr Matt McMullen said the species would struggle to recover on their own. With restored habitats and public support, LWT aims to help them return and revive the peatland ecosystem.
