The Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) has begun a project to bring back three rare species—large heath butterfly, bog bush cricket, and white-faced darter dragonfly—once common on the region’s peat bogs.
These insects depend 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 appealing for £20,000 to complete the work.
The insects play key roles in the ecosystem: the butterfly pollinates plants, the cricket aids decomposition and serves as food for birds, and the dragonfly controls smaller invertebrate populations.
Senior nature recovery officer Dr Matt McMullen said the species would struggle to recover alone due to limited mobility, fragmented habitats, and specific habitat needs, emphasizing that public support is vital for their successful return.
