Glow-worms released into South Downs National Park in bid to restore species

West Sussex: Glow-worms have been released into South Downs National Park as part of efforts to restore the threatened insect to one of Europe’s darkest skies.

The common glow-worm has struggled in the UK in recent years due to habitat loss and artificial lighting. The species is now listed as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Conservationists have released glow-worm larvae into the park. The insects are expected to mature into adults next year and begin lighting up the night.“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,” said Paul Bushell, a national park ranger, speaking to ITV.

“We’ll have to wait a while for the glowing to begin, but we’re hoping it will be worth the wait.”