Hare sightings wanted

The Wildlife Trusts in Wales are working to increase numbers of the once-common brown hare. The species has been in decline for decades; the UK hare population is thought to have fallen by more than 75% since 1945, with as few as 800,000 remaining.

Brown hare numbers began to fall dramatically when farming methods became more intensive following the Second World War. They prefer a mixture of arable fields and pasture with hedges and ditches – countryside more associated with older, traditional methods of farming.

Now recognised as a species of conservation concern, many Wildlife Trusts are working to monitor and conserve this enigmatic species.

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust have been carrying out a public survey, collecting sightings to chart their current distribution. Survey cards were produced and distributed and, so far, 320 records have been received for Ceredigion, 75 for Montgomeryshire, and six for Pembrokeshire, where the brown hare is mysteriously almost absent.

The survey continues, and any further records (especially from Pembrokeshire) are always welcome - from anywhere in Wales, in fact. Survey forms are available from Lizzie Wilberforce (l.wilberforce@welshwildlife.org, 07970 780553).

North Wales Wildlife Trust has been collecting public sightings for the past two years, and has received more than 600 records so far, showing hares to be widespread in this part of Wales. The Trust is now undertaking more detailed study, looking at population size in selected areas, using transect studies. For more information, contact the Brown Hare project officer Vicky Swann on vickyswann@wildlifetrustswales.org

Gwent Wildlife Trust has also produced survey cards, appealing to members of the public for hare sightings. Records are being collated, but more are welcome, as sightings will be used to target population studies in the future. For more information contact Gemma Bode on gbode@gwentwildlife.org.uk