Threats to Irish hare are not just human

I MISS the hares in the meadow.

The meadow is outside the window of my writing room. A fine big meadow sloping down to the rushy fringes of the bog. Looking out at it inspires me.

Right now, there’s a small flock of starlings, a pair of jackdaws and a cock pheasant in it. But no hares. Ten years ago, they were regular visitors. Although they are nocturnal, lying up in nests in the rushes during the day and feeding in the meadow at night, on fine spring days they would often be tempted out for a nibble. But not any more.