It’s unusual to see conservation efforts for invertebrates but unless you’re arachnophobia the program to save great raft spiders should be good news.

The great raft is the largest native breeding species of spider in the UK and can grow up to 8cm. They are able to glide across the surface of water – and catch fish.

Already around 200 baby great raft spiders have been released into the RSPB managed Strumpshaw Fen reserve by Norwich and hundreds more have been nursed by the Ecologist Dr Helen Smith. Dr Smith received funding from Natural England, the Broads Authority and the BBC Wildlife Fund.

The The Daily Mail adds that in Bristol Zoo, keeper Carmen Solan, raised 170 great raft spider babies by using a tube attached to her mouth to feed them dead flies.

In Pure Spirit

How do you feel about the return of the great raft spider? Would this be a charitable project you would be happy to donate £5 to?