Irish hares are no longer as common a sight in Northern Ireland as they were even a generation ago. However, at the RSPB’s Portmore Lough nature reserve outside Aghalee, County Antrim, this special species is thriving.
Irish hares differ genetically from mountain hares, resulting in their unique russet brown coats and shorter black-tipped ears. The Irish hare can also have a white tail – in fact during the very cold weather earlier this year some of the Portmore hares turned completely snow white!
Scrub and rush management during late summer at the reserve, combined with grazing by cattle and konik ponies to help create better conditions for lapwings, means the land is ideal for hares to shelter, feed and raise young. Currently there is a stable population of around a dozen but this can increase dramatically in a short space of time as Irish hares have up to four litters a year of four young, known as leverets.
This autumn RSPB NI is inviting you to come and see these magnificent mammals for yourself. You can join expert staff for a guided walk and talk on Saturday, 19 October to learn all about why Portmore is the perfect home for Irish hares.
You'll also see first-hand the wonderful work the reserve staff and volunteers are doing to help other species, even the reserve's littlest residents who are now living like kings in the fantatsic hand-made bug hotels dotted all over the site!
Admission for the guided walk will be £4/£2 and free for U14s. Please note the event is weather dependent and wellies and waterproofs will be essential!
You can book your place now by emailing amy.ryan@rspb.org.uk or calling 028 9049 1547. We look forward to meeting you!