Brown Hare

One of the UK’s most iconic mammals and the fastest in the region. Thought to have been introduced around Roman Times but is now considered naturalised. Today the hare is seriously threatened. Numbers have declined by 80% since the late 19th century. Shockingly, although given priority status under the UK Biodiversity Plan the hare is the only game species in England, Wales and most parts of Europe not protected by a closed hunting season. Consequently hares can be shot throughout the year.