Rare dragonfly to be introduced near Wigton

A rare dragonfly is starting to be introduced to a hidden corner of Cumbria at RSPB Campfield Marsh this week, marking a significant step in conservation efforts for this endangered species.

This initiative aims to increase the biodiversity of invertebrates of the South Solway Mosses National Nature Reserve, an area protected for its national ecological importance.

In an new phase of recent conservation efforts across Cumbria, experts and volunteers from RSPB Campfield Marsh, Natural England, the British Dragonfly Society, and Cumbria Wildlife Trust are stepping up to support this threatened species.

It is hoped these efforts will strengthen the species’ population and help expand its presence across the region.

The RSPB claim White-faced Darters have suffered from the destruction of their peatland habitat, drainage and conversion to agriculture, peat cutting and afforestation. The few sites on which they remain are at risk from climate change, in particular drying out of their bog pool breeding sites in increasingly hot, dry summers. This translocation project will help build resilience into the Cumbrian White-faced Darter population.

Mhairi Maclauchlan, RSPB Cumbria Coastal Reserves Manager, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to boost biodiversity in this beautiful and hidden corner of Cumbria, helping to create a new population of this charming but endangered species. It’s incredibly rewarding to know we have created the right conditions for White-faced Darter, and we’re delighted to carry on the legacy and successes of the other projects in Cumbria.

By carefully restoring the wetland habitat and ensuring the right balance of Sphagnum-rich pools, we’re hopeful that these dragonflies will establish themselves here. If this year’s translocation is successful, we could see adults emerging next spring and we hope to see this area alive with this species of dragonfly in the coming years."

With the support of the British Dragonfly Society, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Natural England, RSPB staff and volunteers will carefully collect small amounts of Sphagnum moss containing dragonfly larvae, transporting it in buckets to where they will continue their life cycle.

This process will be carried out in April and August, continuing for up to five years to ensure a stable population can establish. Only a small proportion of the overall population will be taken to allow the donor site to continue being successful while feeding into this new project. Local dragonfly experts will also be helping with the surveys to gauge success.

Eleanor Colver, the British Dragonfly Society conservation officer, said: "The White-faced Darter is one of our rarest dragonflies and the BDS is committed to stabilising the British population. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and climate change, the species cannot be reintroduced to its more southerly historic breeding sites in England. However, the cooler climate of the Solway coast and the healthy peatbog of Campfield Marsh provide perfect conditions for the species to thrive.

"Success will depend on many factors, but with the combined expertise of the RSPB, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Natural England, and our local BDS volunteers, we are confident this project will be as successful.

"Many of our fastest declining dragonflies are peatland specialists so we hope this project highlights the importance of peatland restoration for these insects, as well as of other at-risk species, such as Curlew."