From 2025 the BDS will be working in partnership with the RSPB to introduce the endangered White-faced Darter (Leucorrhinia dubia) to Campfield Marsh Nature Reserve.
The Project
The English White-faced Darter population is currently limited to a handful of isolated sites. This is a result of habitat loss; this species relies on acidic peatland pools with Sphagnum bog moss to breed. The draining of peatland wetlands, peat extraction and afforestation have all resulted in the loss and fragmentation of White-faced Darter habitat.
Translocation projects at sites such as Foulshaw Moss and Drumburgh Moss have successfully re-established populations and created new ones, following habitat restoration.
A similar project will now take place at Campfield Marsh to establish a new breeding site, further strengthening the English population.
Volunteer
There are multiple opportunities for volunteers to support the Campfield Marsh White-faced Darter Introduction Project:
Translocation days: collecting larvae and eggs from a local donor sites and introducing them to pools at Campfield Marsh.
Monitoring: counting exuviae (shed larval cases) and adult White-faced Darter, along with other species, at the introduction and donor pools.
Habitat management: support the RSPB team performing practical habitat management to improve conditions for White-faced Darter and other dragonflies.
Please contact RSPB Campfield Marsh if you would like to participate.
Title image by Rosser1954.
White-faced Darter by Ian Preston.