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conservation: Rare Dragonfly returns to Cumbria in another Landmark Project effort
1 May 2025
By James Hamilton
By James Hamilton
Video of White-faced Darter by Steve White
May marks a major milestone in insect conservation as the endangered White-faced Darter dragonfly is being introduced to a secluded corner of Cumbria at RSPB Campfield Marsh. This pioneering project aims to enhance the biodiversity of invertebrates across the South Solway Mosses National Nature Reserve - an area recognised for its national ecological significance.
In a collaborative effort, experts and volunteers from RSPB Campfield Marsh, Natural England, the British Dragonfly Society (BDS), and Cumbria Wildlife Trust are working together to reintroduce this rare species. Their goal: to strengthen the White-faced Darter’s fragile population and expand its foothold in northern England.
Once widespread, the White-faced Darter has suffered from habitat loss due to peatland drainage, agricultural development, afforestation, and peat extraction. Today, the few remaining populations are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly the drying of their bog-pool breeding sites during hot summers. This translocation project aims to boost the species’ resilience in the face of such threats.
The White-faced Darter is a small yet striking dragonfly, named for its pale, chalky face. Males are black with vivid red-orange markings, while females display yellow highlights. Though still relatively common in parts of western Scotland, the species is now limited in England to only a few locations, including Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Foulshaw and Drumburgh Mosses.
These dragonflies require lowland peat bogs to survive, breeding in acidic pools rich in Sphagnum moss. After years of careful habitat restoration, RSPB Campfield Marsh has now created the ideal environment for them to thrive.
“A Boost for Biodiversity”
Mhairi Maclauchlan, RSPB Cumbria Coastal Reserves Manager, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance biodiversity in a quiet and beautiful part of Cumbria, by creating a new stronghold for a charming but threatened species. Our long-term habitat work is paying off, and we’re proud to continue the legacy of successful dragonfly reintroductions in the region.”
“By restoring wetland habitats and creating Sphagnum-rich pools, we’re hopeful the White-faced Darter will take hold here. If successful, we could see adults emerging as soon as spring 2026.”
With backing from key partners, small amounts of Sphagnum moss containing dragonfly larvae will be collected and carefully transported to Campfield Marsh. The work will continue each April and August over a five-year period to ensure a stable and self-sustaining population. Only a minimal number of larvae will be removed to protect donor sites, while local dragonfly specialists will monitor success through surveys.
Eleanor Colver, Conservation Officer at the British Dragonfly Society, added:
“The White-faced Darter is one of Britain’s rarest dragonflies, and its future is closely tied to the survival of healthy peatlands. Due to climate pressures and habitat loss, it can’t be reintroduced to many of its historic breeding sites. However, the Solway coast’s cooler climate and Campfield Marsh’s pristine bogs offer ideal conditions for the species to flourish.”
“We’re optimistic about this project thanks to the commitment and expertise of all our partners. Peatland restoration doesn’t just benefit dragonflies—it’s also vital for other at-risk wildlife like the Curlew.”
Visitors may catch a glimpse of the White-faced Darter on the wing from May 2026 as the species becomes more established in the area. The translocation is part of broader efforts to enrich the South Solway Mosses, safeguarding this unique landscape for future generations.
Continuing a Legacy of Success
The RSPB now takes over from Cumbria Wildlife Trust, which has led White-faced Darter reintroduction efforts since 2019. Their work at Drumburgh Moss has resulted in a thriving population, following the first successful reintroduction to Foulshaw Moss in the early 2010s.
As recognition of its growing importance for dragonfly conservation, RSPB Campfield Marsh will be officially designated a ‘Dragonfly Hotspot’ by the British Dragonfly Society in July. It will be the 12th such site in England. These hotspots are selected for their biodiversity value and educational potential, helping the public connect with the fascinating world of dragonflies and damselflies.
In a collaborative effort, experts and volunteers from RSPB Campfield Marsh, Natural England, the British Dragonfly Society (BDS), and Cumbria Wildlife Trust are working together to reintroduce this rare species. Their goal: to strengthen the White-faced Darter’s fragile population and expand its foothold in northern England.
Once widespread, the White-faced Darter has suffered from habitat loss due to peatland drainage, agricultural development, afforestation, and peat extraction. Today, the few remaining populations are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly the drying of their bog-pool breeding sites during hot summers. This translocation project aims to boost the species’ resilience in the face of such threats.
The White-faced Darter is a small yet striking dragonfly, named for its pale, chalky face. Males are black with vivid red-orange markings, while females display yellow highlights. Though still relatively common in parts of western Scotland, the species is now limited in England to only a few locations, including Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Foulshaw and Drumburgh Mosses.
These dragonflies require lowland peat bogs to survive, breeding in acidic pools rich in Sphagnum moss. After years of careful habitat restoration, RSPB Campfield Marsh has now created the ideal environment for them to thrive.
“A Boost for Biodiversity”
Mhairi Maclauchlan, RSPB Cumbria Coastal Reserves Manager, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance biodiversity in a quiet and beautiful part of Cumbria, by creating a new stronghold for a charming but threatened species. Our long-term habitat work is paying off, and we’re proud to continue the legacy of successful dragonfly reintroductions in the region.”
“By restoring wetland habitats and creating Sphagnum-rich pools, we’re hopeful the White-faced Darter will take hold here. If successful, we could see adults emerging as soon as spring 2026.”
With backing from key partners, small amounts of Sphagnum moss containing dragonfly larvae will be collected and carefully transported to Campfield Marsh. The work will continue each April and August over a five-year period to ensure a stable and self-sustaining population. Only a minimal number of larvae will be removed to protect donor sites, while local dragonfly specialists will monitor success through surveys.
Eleanor Colver, Conservation Officer at the British Dragonfly Society, added:
“The White-faced Darter is one of Britain’s rarest dragonflies, and its future is closely tied to the survival of healthy peatlands. Due to climate pressures and habitat loss, it can’t be reintroduced to many of its historic breeding sites. However, the Solway coast’s cooler climate and Campfield Marsh’s pristine bogs offer ideal conditions for the species to flourish.”
“We’re optimistic about this project thanks to the commitment and expertise of all our partners. Peatland restoration doesn’t just benefit dragonflies—it’s also vital for other at-risk wildlife like the Curlew.”
Visitors may catch a glimpse of the White-faced Darter on the wing from May 2026 as the species becomes more established in the area. The translocation is part of broader efforts to enrich the South Solway Mosses, safeguarding this unique landscape for future generations.
Continuing a Legacy of Success
The RSPB now takes over from Cumbria Wildlife Trust, which has led White-faced Darter reintroduction efforts since 2019. Their work at Drumburgh Moss has resulted in a thriving population, following the first successful reintroduction to Foulshaw Moss in the early 2010s.
As recognition of its growing importance for dragonfly conservation, RSPB Campfield Marsh will be officially designated a ‘Dragonfly Hotspot’ by the British Dragonfly Society in July. It will be the 12th such site in England. These hotspots are selected for their biodiversity value and educational potential, helping the public connect with the fascinating world of dragonflies and damselflies.
Male, White-faced Darter. Credit: David Clarke
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