The Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) has launched 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 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 project.
The trust said the species play key roles in the ecosystem: pollinating plants, breaking down plant matter, and keeping insect populations in balance.
Senior nature recovery officer Dr Matt McMullen said the insects would struggle to recover on their own, adding that restored habitats and public support are crucial for their return.
