Walks Leader and Trustee David Taylor recently led an early morning walk on the South Downs looking for Brown Hares. The Norfolk Estate above Storrington and Amberley is a hotspot for hare activity and the day did not disappoint.

Being crepuscular, hares are most busy around dawn and dusk, particularly during their peak breeding season in March and April. Armed with binoculars, David’s walkers were rewarded for their early start with many sightings. The highlight was witnessing a group of five male hares chasing each other around in the hope of impressing the nearby female.

After a few minutes of playfulness, the female tested the stamina of the males by leading them off in line astern for a prolonged chase. The last man standing would probably become her mate although that would be the end of their relationship, the male taking no part in the raising of any offspring.

Brown hares are known for their ‘boxing’ matches, which will have kicked off with the start of hare breeding season last month – hence the term ‘mad March hare’!

Contrary to popular belief, it’s often the females throwing the punches as they try to ward off unwanted male attention.

Photo credit belongs to David Taylor https://www.sussexnature.co.uk/