Singing cicadas return to UK after three decades

Cicadas are fascinating insects known for their loud, musical songs. These insects were once common in the New Forest area of the UK but disappeared in the 1990s. Recently, conservationists have worked hard to bring the New Forest cicadas back to England after more than thirty years. The Species Recovery Trust, a group focused on saving endangered animals, released 11 cicadas into a specially made habitat at Paultons Park, close to the New Forest. This effort aims to re-establish the cicada population in the area where they once thrived.

The New Forest cicada had vanished from the UK mainly because of changes in how the land was managed. The insects were last seen in the 1990s, and for many years, no one heard their distinctive songs. This week, 11 female cicadas were captured in northern France and brought to the UK. Some of these cicadas are believed to be pregnant and have already started laying eggs in their new habitat near Romsey. The young cicadas spend at least four years underground before they emerge as adults, so it will take several years to see if the reintroduction is successful.

The project is a first of its kind and has received support from Natural England, a government body that helps protect wildlife. Graham Norton from Natural England said it was a remarkable achievement to have the New Forest cicada back in England. If the cicadas survive and grow, conservationists plan to release more adults in secret locations within the New Forest. This project shows how people can work together to bring back species that were once lost and help nature recover.