Anyone with a passing interest in nature is likely to be looking out for signs that spring is around the corner and alongside the green shoots of spring flowers bursting through, a sure sign that spring has ‘sprung’ is the sight of “boxing hares”. Typically associated with March these frenetic displays gave rise to the term “mad March-hare”, but sadly this wildlife spectacle is much rarer following a massive decline in hare numbers since the 1940s. Two “Boxing” hares standing on their back legs, seemingly locked in paw-to-paw combat were long thought to be rival males battling for dominance, but these disputes are more likely to be between a male and a female not ready or willing to accept his over-excited advances.
Brown hares can be distinguished from rabbits by their large size, long black-tipped ears and large powerful back legs. Their fur is flecked with yellow, much more so that the grey-brown rabbit. Hares are associated with grassland and arable farm land and in these open landscapes their survival is dependent on their cryptic colouring, highly developed senses and ability to run at up to 45mph to evade predators. Unlike the rabbit, hares do not dig burrows; instead creating a shallow depression in the ground among long grass, known as a form. This is where they spend most of the day, usually coming out into the open at night to feed. Their ability to survive even extreme cold weather whilst essentially lying out in the open is one reason that hares were traditionally viewed with suspicious and often linked to witchcraft.
The hare’s sad decline is due in part to the intensification and specialisation of farming. At the beginning of the 20th century most farming was mixed, providing year-round grazing for hares and whilst many farmers do encourage wildlife onto their farms, many modern arable farms provide little year-round food and areas grazed by livestock provide little cover. Hares can also be fatally injured by farm machinery and they have little legal protection as they are still classed as game animals. Whilst hare coursing with dogs is illegal, is still occurs in many areas but thankfully local Police forces seem to take the issue seriously.
One of the best places to look out for hares in Nottinghamshire is the open fields around the village of Eakring, close to Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s Duke’s Wood, Eakring Meadows and Penny Pasture Common nature reserves. They can also be seen in the farmland surrounding Idle Valley Nature Reserve near Retford and if you are thinking of purchasing a pair of binoculars or a telescope to enhance your wildlife watching, the reserve’s centre is hosting special demonstrations of kit with expert advice and discounts available on Sunday 24th February and Sunday 24th March. For further details, visit www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/events.
If you are lucky enough to spot a hare you can report your sightings at www.nottsmammals.org.uk.
Brown hare © Scott Tilley