Hares

Early spring is the best time to see the fastest land mammal in the country. Reaching speeds of 40 miles per hour at full pelt, the brown hare is one of our great athletes, and its great speed can make it a tricky character to get a good look at. Luckily, “mad March hares” choose a different sport in the spring, taking up boxing instead of sprinting. The fighters are actually the females, spurning the advances of males by boxing prospective partners. Their activity is much more noticeable before the grass and crops have grown up to their full height.

The great flat expanses of the Fens are as good a place to spot boxing hares as any: try visiting the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserves at Willow Tree Fen or Baston Fen and check the fields in between the two. Other good places to try include:

Changes in agriculture have seen a dramatic decline in hare numbers. The best places to look are open grassy or arable fields, particularly near to woodland fringes or decent hedgerows where hares can find shelter.  Get up early to increase your chances of finding a boxing match, and stay down wind to avoid your scent giving you away.  And leave the dog at home!

From seeing colourful wildflowers to spotting magnificent birds of prey, we can help you get closer to wildlife across the UK.