The North Wales Brown Hare Project has been running since February 2005.
This project covers all the counties across North Wales, as well as Snowdonia National Park.
You could take part in the Hare Survey
Learn how to manage your land for the benefit of hares and other wildlife
It is thought that brown hares were introduced to Britain by the Romans, and although they have remained on our soil somewhat longer than the conquering armies, they have had their own battles to contend with.
Since the Second World War, it is thought that hare numbers have dropped by approximately 75%. Current numbers are thought to be between 817,500 and 1,250,000. This drastic drop in hare numbers caused understandable concern and resulted in the hare being one of the first animals to be considered in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). The BAP is encouraging efforts in taking the step to increase the current hare population to around two million by 2010.
The Brown Hare is included in all of the Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) across North Wales. These LBAPs are implemented by the various Local Authorities as well as other organisations, such as the North Wales Wildlife Trust.
As of Spring 2007, we have completed distribution studies of brown hares in the counties of Anglesey, Conwy and Gwynedd. We are currently in the process of completing projects covering Snowdonia National Park and the North East of Wales.
The following pages include information with regard to the link between hares and mythology, as well as details to do with the ecology of these special mammals and their distribution throughout North Wales.
The North Wales Brown Hare Project is supported by:
