Moorland Search For Brown Hares

Seen one of these lately? (picture: Marlene Thyssen)

Users of Crompton Moor recently took part in a search of the area, looking for brown hares. Sadly the survey, organised by the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit, found no sign of the elusive animals.

The survey also doubled up as a training day for moor users. It’s hoped that local people will be able to take steps to increase the brown hare population, which has suffered a decline over the years, partly as a result of the way farmers and other landowners use their land.

Wildlife experts hope to improve habitats for the hares, and need to get as much information as possible about where they are (and aren’t) so they can identify areas where the environment can be changed to help the animals.

Anyone spotting a brown hare locally is asked to contact Samuel Bolton from the Ecology Unit. He’s on 0161 371 5302, and can be e-mailed via samuel.bolton@tameside.gov.uk

There’s also more information at the North West Brown Hare Project website here.

Members of both the Friends of Crompton Moor and Crompton Moor User Group took part in the event. You can keep up to date with news from the Friends at their blog here.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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