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 all rely on lowland peatlands, 96% of which have been lost due 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.
The charity highlighted the ecological roles of the species: the butterfly pollinates plants, the cricket breaks down plant matter and feeds birds, and the dragonfly preys on smaller insects, keeping populations balanced.
Senior nature recovery officer Dr Matt McMullen said the species would struggle to recover naturally, but with restored peatlands and public support, they can make a comeback.
