Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Glow Worms return to light up Lowther
|
Glow Worms are one of the UK’s most magical and mysterious insects – and earlier this summer, we’ve had an amazing opportunity to survey and support Glow Worms across the Lowther estate and nearby Ralfland Common in Cumbria.
Lowther Conservation, part of the Lowther estate, has been working with Cumbria Connect and Manchester Museum and a brilliant group of volunteers who responded to our call out in the media. From June to August, trained volunteers went out into the dark armed with torches, notebooks and a huge dose of enthusiasm. Along the way, we were joined by Tawny Owls and owlets, bats, moths and even a supermoon lighting our way. We can’t thank everyone enough for coming out to help.
A Glow-worm beetle in grass
Why Glow-worms?
|
Despite their name, Glow Worms aren’t worms at all — they’re beetles. Female Glow Worms glow at night to attract males, creating a magical green light display in meadows, hedgerows and woodlands. But sadly, these enchanting insects are in decline across the UK due to habitat loss, pesticides, light pollution and climate change.
Glow Worms play a valuable role in our ecosystems. As natural snail and slug predators, they help control pest populations and keep the balance in check. Their loss would be more than just visual — it would affect the entire food web.
A new beginning at Knipe Scar
Following the surveys, we were delighted to release 140 Glow Worm larvae at Knipe Scar on the Lowther estate. These larvae were bred at Manchester Museum from adults collected near Morecambe Bay this summer, helping support local Glow Worm populations and boost the chances of these enchanting insects thriving in Cumbria.
Volunteers helped release Glow Worm larvae on Knipe Scar earlier this summer
Looking ahead for Glow Worm restoration
|
Although Glow Worms weren’t found at other Lowther sites this year, we’re planning for the future. Next summer, we will visit Ralfland Common to collect a small number of Glow Worms for captive breeding. The larvae from these adults will then be released at Lowther, creating a stepping stone population near the existing Ralfland Common population and helping Glow Worms spread naturally across the landscape.
Volunteers will be key to monitoring success and we may need extra help with surveys next year.
What's involved?
|
As a volunteer, you will:
- Join weekly evening surveys (you can attend one or a number)
- Learn to identify Glow-worms and their habitats
- Record sightings
- Receive a training session from Lowther Conservation or Manchester Museum’s team before surveys begin
You don’t need any previous experience — just curiosity, a torch and enthusiasm for nature!
All the data gathered will support national research into Glow-worm populations and help guide future nature recovery efforts across Cumbria and beyond.
Volunteer with us
We’d love for you to join us.
This is a unique chance to experience the Cumbria landscape after dark, learn new ecological skills and be part of something special – protecting one of Britain’s most magical species.
Survey Season: June – August 2026
Location: Lowther Estate, near Penrith
Time commitment: Flexible
Age: 18+ (or under-18s accompanied by an adult)
Use the form below to register your interest. We’ll contact you with further details and a briefing pack.
Let’s be social @connectfornature