Norfolk Hawker dragonfly seen in Lancashire and South Devon

Norfolk Hawker dragonflies, recognised by their bright green eyes and gingery bodies, are currently listed as endangered in the Odonata Red Data List for Great Britain.

They almost became extinct 30 years ago when their only remaining breeding sites were in parts of Norfolk and Suffolk.

But the Broads Authority has now said that the species' numbers are increasing, with sightings being recorded as far away as Wigan, Blackpool and South Devon.

Experts believe its increase is due to climate change (Image: Tom Barrett)

Experts at the organisation believe the Hawker's recovery is due to climate change raising temperatures and changing the habitats of the wetlands.

Although these changes are beneficial to the Hawker in particular, Andrea Kelly, the Broads Authority's environment policy adviser, believes it could be detrimental to other creatures.

“What appears to be good news about the spread of the Norfolk Hawker and its potential relisting as no longer endangered, is in fact a call to action about the significant threats to its precious wetland habitat," she said.

“The only way to ensure no further species loss is to continue to protect and restore its current wetland and fen habitats in the Broads and across East Anglia.”

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Dr Pam Taylor from the British Dragonfly Society added that the species' safety is still far from fully secure.

“Although the Hawker’s overall range has expanded greatly, there are still huge gaps in its current distribution.

“It will need to infill many of these gaps before the species is truly secure in this country and only time will tell whether it will succeed.”