The extrovert performances of "Mad March Hares" are one of the highlights of this time of year but are our children as familiar with this sight as we are? How common are brown hares?
The Lincolnshire Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) partnership is launching a survey to find out. Brown hares were once a common feature of the English lowland landscape but since the 1960s their population has fallen perhaps by as much as 75%. In the open arable fields of Lincolnshire, North and North-East Lincolnshire, brown hares appear to still be common but very little is known about their numbers and distribution.
The Lincolnshire Brown Hare Survey will run through March and April and the LBAP partnership are keen to get as many members of the public involved as possible. Andy Simpkin, Biodiversity Implementation Manager, said: "It is very easy to take part in the survey and the more people that record their sightings the better the results will be. All you need to do is, using a copy of the survey form, fill in when and where you see a brown hare. We are particularly keen to get people who are regularly in the countryside such as farmers, ramblers and tourists involved. But even if you live in a town, you can still take part, you may just spot a hare from your car."
To get your copy of the survey form please download either of the forms available (see box on right) or send a stamped addressed envelope to:
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"Brown Hare Survey"
Lincolnshire Biodiversity Action Plan
C/o Lincolnshire Wildlife trust
Banovallum House
Manor House Street
Horncastle
Lincolnshire LN9 5HF
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For more information please contact:
Andy Simpkin, Biodiversity Implementation Manager
Tel: 01507 526667
Email:
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Rachel Shaw, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01507 526667
Email:
