The Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) has started a drive to reintroduce lost species, including the large heath butterfly, bog bush cricket and white-faced darter dragonfly, once common across Lancashire and Greater Manchester’s peat bogs.
These insects rely 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: butterflies pollinate plants, crickets help break down plant matter and provide food for birds, and dragonflies control populations of smaller invertebrates.
Senior nature recovery officer Dr Matt McMullen said the species would struggle to survive without help, but restored habitats and public support could give them a chance to return.
