Hairy wood ant  (Formica lugubris)

This ant has been affected by habitat loss caused by urban and industrial development, agricultural intensification and forestry (3). In remaining woodlands, a move away from traditional management practices, and new stocking regimes have often caused scrub invasion which results in a decrease in the sunny rides or clearings favoured by this ant (3).

A Species Action Plan has been produced to guide the conservation of this species in the UK under the auspices of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. This plan aims to maintain the current range of the hairy wood ant (3). Some populations occur within Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and National Nature Reserves (NNRs) (3).