Two orphaned baby hares rescued by carers in Nantwich have leapt into a new life at Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s headquarters.
The pair of leverets were found by members of the public and handed in to the RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, on London Road.
Now they are back to full health after two months of care, they have been released at the trust’s wildlife friendly Bickley Hall Farm, between Wrenbury and Malpas.
Sarah Goodwin, from Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, who reared the hares, 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.”
Cheshire Wildlife Trust does not normally take in injured or abandoned wildlife.
But the charity’s conservation team is delighted the 210-acre farm, 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 had advice for members of the public who might be worried if they find a baby hare.
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.”
If anyone finds animal casualties they can be taken to RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Hospital in Nantwich or call 0870 442 7102, or Lower Moss Wood, School Lane, Ollerton, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 8SJ, 01565 755082.
(Pic: One of the leverets being released at Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s Bickley Hall Farm)
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