Brown and Mountain Hare: Distribution

The Brown Hare is fairly widespread across Barnsley outside the moorlands where suitable habitats exist but in most places where they are found the numbers are not high.

Around 250 Brown Hares were projected to exist in Barnsley following a survey of sample squares. The species was found on a variety of suitable habitats but particularly grazed pastures, cereal fields and grassland on former industrial sites. An especially high population was found in an area which was protected as a nature reserve.

Brown Hare was however absent from areas of farmland where it would have been expected. This could be due to a high Fox population, disease and human disturbance or shooting.

Mountain Hare, as shown in surveys, is fairly widespread on the Barnsley upland moors

Map showing main areas where Brown Hare and Mountain Hare can be found to follow

Areas where Brown Hare found in surveys

Grassland near Broadstone reservoir

Billingley

Old Moor area

Cudworth common

Silkstone waggon way

Silkstone Common

East of Banks Hall

Huthwaite Hall,Thurgoland

Adwick