Animal Welfare Hub

Evidence-based resources for animal welfare

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Brown Hare Welfare: Agricultural Impact and Conservation

An in-depth guide to brown hare welfare, the impacts of agricultural change, and conservation actions needed to support this iconic mammal.

Key Facts

UK brown hare populations have declined by 80% since the 1960s
Agricultural intensification, particularly autumn cereal sowing, has reduced habitat quality
Leverets are born above ground and vulnerable to agricultural machinery
Coursing with dogs caused significant welfare impacts until the 2004 ban
Hare shooting and trapping remain legal activities with welfare implications
Brown hares are one of the few mammals that do not dig burrows for shelter

Welfare Considerations and Management

Brown hare welfare challenges include agricultural machinery strikes during hay and silage cutting (leverets are at particular risk), loss of overwinter food and cover through autumn cultivation, and legal but welfare-significant hunting activities. Conservation interventions include agri-environment schemes with overwinter cover crops, field margin management, and precision agriculture reducing machinery impact. Predator management also benefits hare populations in some areas.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes benefiting brown hare through habitat improvements
Reduce mowing speed and use flushing bars on agricultural machinery in hare habitats
Advocate for hare population monitoring and evidence-based management
Report suspected illegal coursing to the police and relevant wildlife organisations