Wildlife

Glow-worm Welfare and Declining Grassland Populations

Understanding glow-worm ecology and how to support their declining populations.

Key Facts

Glow-worms are actually beetles — it is the female that glows to attract males
They require chalk and limestone grassland with snail prey for their larvae
Light pollution reduces female visibility and disrupts mating behaviour
Populations have declined significantly as grassland quality declines

Welfare Considerations

Glow-worm welfare is threatened by habitat loss, light pollution, and pesticide reduction of their snail prey. Light pollution welfare impacts include disrupted mate finding and reduced reproductive success. Welfare-informed land management maintains short, flower-rich chalk grassland with snail habitat, reduces artificial lighting near known sites, and monitors populations through volunteer surveys.

What You Can Do

Reduce artificial lighting near known glow-worm sites during June-July display season
Support chalk and limestone grassland management for glow-worm welfare
Contribute to glow-worm population surveys to help track population change