Raising Hare - Chloe Dalton

We loved this book describing the author Chloe Dalton's experience of caring for a leverett as it became an adult hare, and the effect it had on her life and outlook.

This bestseller, as read on Radio 4 book of the week, is an easy, enjoyable read, with some readers consuming it in 2 holiday sittings. It is a lovely topic, and we are all engaged in hope for the hare (and as she is 3 1/2 years old by the end of the book we may be kidding ourselves). We wanted the book not to finish, and will be happy to keep it on our shelves.

The hare transformed the life of the author, raising her awareness of the environment around her. The hare was never named, was not a pet and remained a wild creature, leaping out of the garden and then returning in its own time.

Chloe Dalton is now leading a campaign to reduce the time when hunting can take place. The hare is the only wild native prey species that does not have a closed season. That said an arable farmer may see them as vermin if there are a large number in a wheat field, and the greatest threat comes from illegal hare coursing, which by definition does not care about hunting seasons.

Hares are seen in our local area, generally in the larger open arable fields. They have been revered or feared for centuries. They are the original Easter bunny, the representation of a pre-Roman goddess, or the familiar of witches. Either way they are amazing creatures, an essential part of our ecosystem, and a joy to see and read about.

There will be a copy in the ERA library but you may have to be quick to grab it at the next meeting :)

Elizabeth Eveleigh