Hare spotting days at WWT Welney
WWT Welney hare - Credit: Archant
WWT Welney wetland centre is giving people the chance to get up close and personal with hares this winter.
People often struggle to see and truly appreciate hares - being a creature that is well adapted to open countryside they are able to avoid detection - but special events being offered during winter can help visitors to get closer.
Volunteer Tony Winchester said: “I’ve become endeared to these creatures because they are not only wonderful to watch, they are not only incredibly athletic, but they have this ability to hide in a way that the army would be very proud of if they could only re-enact it.
“They are a creature to inspire.”
If they feel threatened or notice a rival nearby they can reach speeds of up to 45kph, covering the ground very effectively.
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The area of wetland creation at WWT Welney called Lady Fen, provides the ideal habitat for hares, a safe area to graze and to breed on.
Unlike rabbits who keep their young tucked away in burrows, baby hares (leverets) are left out in the open, laying flat to the ground near tussocks of grass or mounds of earth for shelter.
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The hares at WWT Welney also make for a brilliant subject matter for photography, he said.
Visitors can join volunteers and staff leading the guided walks onto Lady Fen, getting closer to the Hares at the following times:
Hare walks, 2-3pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The tours are included in admission but booking is advised.
More information can be found on the trust’s website.
