Glow-worms introduced to new South Downs site to benefit from dark skies
A national park which has some of the darkest skies in Europe has introduced the common glow-worm to a new site in the hope that the males will be able see the “spectacular” night-time mating display of the females.
The location near Alton, Hampshire, has been chosen by the South Downs National Park with the aim of boosting the population of the species of beetle which is struggling across the UK because of habitat loss and light pollution.
The common glow-worm is classified as near threatened, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with five other species threatened with extinction across Europe.
A spokesman for the national park authority said that there were a handful of glow-worm sites across the park which stretches across Hampshire and Sussex and the new location was identified with the help of its rangers.
He said the larvae, which came from a site in Devon, would be expected to grow into adults by the summer of 2027 when it was hoped the glowing displays would begin.
He said: “During the summer months females put on a spectacular night-time display as they emit light to attract a male, which have large, photosensitive eyes.
“Artificial lights, particularly white LED streetlights, can mask this glow, stopping males finding females, which disrupts their ability to breed.”
The spokesman said the national park gained international dark sky reserve status in 2016 and increasing the dark skies coverage was a priority in its five-year management plan.
Paul Bushell, a national park ranger for the western downs, said: “Glow-worms are struggling across the UK due to artificial lighting, along with habitat loss and connectivity, contributing to the decline of this magical species.
“The local community have worked hard to create a perfect habitat for glow-worms and it’s been wonderful working with them on this re-introduction.
“Glow-worms would once have been more widespread across the south of England, but artificial lighting introduced over the past 100 years has disrupted breeding patterns.
“Being a dark night sky and on the edge of a large woodland with little light pollution makes this the perfect area for a reintroduction.
“We’ll have a wait a while for the glowing to begin, but we’re hoping it will be worth the wait.”
He added: added: “Glow-worms are part of the natural food cycle and help balance the local ecosystem.
“They are also a symbol of hope and renewal and the bioluminescent glow has been used in folklore and art for hundreds of years. It’s the kind of species that can capture people’s imaginations and hopefully help develop a deeper appreciation for nature.”
Nature conservationist Derek Gow, from Keep It Wild, said: “We are very proud to have provided the glow worms for this restoration project in the South Downs National Park in a time of nature crisis when the wildlife of this planet is finishing fast. Projects like this are essential for nature’s restoration.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub
