BROWN hares are bouncing back in Cumbria following the restoration of natural habitats around the county.

The population of the rare mammal has fallen from an estimated four million in the late 1800s to around the one million mark today.

Hares became increasingly scarce after agricultural land use intensified, and they are among the creatures that have shown the greatest decline in the last century.

But Higher Level Stewardship schemes throughout Cumbria, Lancashire and Cheshire have seen more than 46 kilometres of hedgerow planted and over 160 kilometres of fencing erected to help conserve hedgerows and hay meadows, which is where hares naturally live.

The restoration provides the hares with natural protection, resting places and a diverse food supply.

“This diversity is critical to the hare’s survival,” said Liz Newton, Natural England’s Regional Director. “The brown hare does not hibernate or store any appreciable amount of fat like other small mammals and therefore needs a constant supply of food throughout the year.

“Good management of these habitats through HLS is providing the brown hare with a greater chance of long term survival while our hedgerow networks are a vital resource for all wildlife, acting as wildlife corridors to allow the dispersal of species between isolated habitats.

“They are an integral part of the English countryside and their management plays a vital role in the health of the natural environment.”

HLS schemes provide funding to farmers and other land managers who help conserve wildlife, maintain the quality of the landscape and protect natural resources by managing their land effectively.

Although brown hares are most active at night, they are frequently seen during the day, particularly early in the morning.

Researchers at Natural England are asking anybody who spots any brown hares to let the organisation know as they believe every sighting helps to conserve the rare mammal.

In Cumbria, sightings are recorded by Tullie House Museum, Carlisle, and information on where and when brown hares are spotted can be emailed to nature@tulliehouse.co.uk.

In Lancashire, sightings are noted by the Hare Conservation and Recording Project, and details can be uploaded to their website at www.merseysidebiobank.org.uk/brownhare/simpleentry.