Rare dragonfly introduced into a hidden corner of Cumbria - RSPB

The introduction of the rare White-faced Darter dragonfly begins this week, at RSPB Campfield Marsh in Cumbria.

• The species has declined significantly in England due to habitat loss and other factors and is now found in only a few locations.
• The introduction involves translocating larvae from a stable donor population to Campfield Marsh.
• Habitat restoration has created the ideal conditions for the dragonflies to thrive.
• The translocation is being led by the RSPB, with advice and support from the British Dragonfly Society, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Natural England.

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 exciting 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.

As with much of the UK’s wildlife, 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.