Farm schemes boost hare numbers

Changes in farming methods had harmed hare numbers

Farms with wildlife-friendly schemes have helped numbers of brown hares increase by more than a third, the Wildlife Trusts have said.

The hares have suffered declines in numbers of 75% in the past 50 years, the Trusts say.

On 60 farms taking part in the scheme, numbers have increased by 35% from 167 last year to 225 this year.

Farmers are leaving wide grass margins in arable fields where the grass grows long to provide shelter.

Hare numbers had fallen due to by the conversion of grassland to arable farming, changes to planting regimes and reductions in different habitats in the countryside.

The farms managed with help from farm wildlife habitat scheme Wildcare, have also been helping adults and young - known as leverets, by delaying grass cutting.

When they do cut, they start in the centre and work outwards to give the hares the best chance to escape into neighbouring fields.

Other measures include breaking up large areas of cereal crops with grassland and leaving stubble over winter to provide shelter for the animals.

John Cousins, head of agricultural policy for the Wildlife Trusts, said: "This news - that the brown hare is flourishing on these farms - is both encouraging and rewarding evidence farmers can make a difference.

"The participating farmers are aware their work is vital support to the Wildlife Trusts' efforts to further improve conditions for wildlife across the UK.

"Our vision for 'a living landscape' is dependent on close working relationships with farmers, as they deliver many of the environmental benefits we seek, for people and wildlife."

Wildcare is part of White Gold, a division of agricultural company AB Agri, a consultancy helping dairy farmers to achieve the Assured Dairy Farm Scheme standards.

It has been working with 60 farms in the Waitrose Select Farm dairy pool, who are paid a premium for their milk, in return for high milk quality standards and farming in ways which help wildlife.