Orphaned hares leap into new life

The RSPCA released a pair of leverets at the Trust’s Bickley Hall Farm, having hand reared them for two months at Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre after they were found by members of the public.

While the Trust does not take in injured or abandoned wildlife, the 210-acre farm, which is already home to lots of wild hares, will provide a sanctuary to the young animals.

Ben Gregory, the Trust’s farm and gowy manager, said: “We really welcomed the release of the two orphaned hares at our wildlife friendly farm.

“With its mosaic of fields containing wet grassland, hay meadows and spring sown cereal interspersed with wild flower margins and bordered by hedgerows, the farm makes an ideal release site for one of the UK’s most enigmatic mammals.

“We released the hares into one of our meadows which will be cut late in the summer for hay and isn’t too close to any major roads.

“Fingers crossed they will stick around and we’ll see them on the farm for years to come.”

Sarah Goodwin, from Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, who reared and released the hares, said the farm was the ‘ideal habitat’ for the hares.

She said: “Bickley Hall Farm is an ideal habitat to send them into their new lives.

“There are already other hares there, there is nice rotation of crops and there are lots of hedgerows where they can find shelter.”

However, she warned members of the public to act with caution if they find a baby hare that seems to be alone.

She said: “Leverets are normally left alone from an early age for long periods of time but mother will return to feed them, usually around dusk.

“It’s best to watch from a distance to see if mum returns before taking any action. If you’re sure the animal has been orphaned, call us on 0300 123 4999 or contact your nearest wildlife rehabilitator.”

Cheshire Wildlife Trust does not deal with injured wildlife, though casualties can be taken to RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Hospital, London Road, Nantwich.