A TOURIST attraction in Cornwall is taking an active role in a project which aims to provide a brighter future for a wildlife species in decline.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mevagissey, has welcomed 50 glow-worms as part of a national reintroduction plan which hopes to see a steady increase in numbers.

The attraction is working with Keep It Wild and the Derek Gow Consultancy on the project.

A spokesperson for Heligan said: “With an increase in light pollution, climate change and a loss of habitat, the UK’s glow-worm population sadly continues to decline.

“Glow-worm larvae like to feed on damp-loving snails but, with increasingly hot and dry summers, this has led to fewer prey. The combination of these factors has resulted in glow-worm numbers plummeting by an astonishing 75 per cent in just 18 years in England.”

Nick Viney from Keep It Wild said: “You never forget spotting your first glow-worm, we want to share this magical experience with as many people as possible.”

Heligan wildlife co-ordinator Toby Davies said: “With glow-worms on the decline across the country, it’s more important than ever to protect this special species. And I hope that other estates will follow suit in releasing the glow-worms of the future.”