The Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) has launched a campaign to reintroduce the large heath butterfly, bog bush cricket and white-faced darter dragonfly, once common across Lancashire and Greater Manchester’s peat bogs.
Around 96% of the region’s lowland peatlands have been lost to human activity, but the LWT has been restoring habitats by rebuilding water systems and replanting specialist vegetation. The charity is now appealing for £20,000 to complete the work.
“These insects play vital roles in the peatland ecosystem,” the LWT said, highlighting pollination, decomposition and natural pest control.
Senior nature recovery officer Dr Matt McMullen added: “These species would struggle to recover on their own. We’re giving them the helping hand they need, but we can’t do it without public support.”
