Brown Hares in the Derbyshire Dales is a written and photographic celebration of one of the Peak District's most secretive and enigmatic animals. Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated with over 100 colour photographs, this book gives a unique insight into the life, habitat and history of a much loved, yet threatened, species.

First published in 2010 to coincide with the International Year of Biodiversity, this new edition - with more than 60 new photos - is intended to raise awareness of the brown hare (Lepus europaeus), which is now extinct in parts of Britain and listed as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

The book is split into two sections; the first describes the brown hare, what differentiates them from rabbits and other hares, their breeding patterns, courtship, boxing, their remarkable speed and agility, their habitat, what they eat, and their history in the UK and the Derbyshire Dales. There are also tips on where and how to see hares in the wild.

The second section, biodiversity, sets the hare in the context of the rapid and extensive loss of their preferred natural habitat, primarily wildflower meadows and traditional grasslands, now almost eradicated by intensive farming systems in some areas. Balanced yet thought-provoking reflections on these modern farming methods are supplemented by accounts from local farmers, including Lord Edward Manners of Haddon Hall, interviewed especially for the book by the author.

From local author and photographer Christine Gregory, Brown Hares in the Derbyshire Dales is an enlightening and captivating portrait of a beautiful British mammal.

About the Author

Christine Gregory is a writer, painter and photographer. She has lived in the Derbyshire Dales since 1990, exploring it extensively and developing a close understanding of its natural history.

Her first book, Brown Hares in the Derbyshire Dales, was first published in 2010 after several years of following, studying and photographing these iconic animals. A second edition was published by Vertebrate in 2012 with a new foreword written by the distinguished mammalogist Dr Derek Yalden, then president of the Mammal Society. Her second book, A River in Time: the story of a Peak District river, was published in 2013 with a foreword by Lord Chris Smith, then chairman of the Environment Agency. Her third book, The Water Vole, was published in 2016, and her latest work is The Land That Made Us, a collaboration with Sheila Hine. Christine's books reflect a lifelong love of the countryside and concern for the environment.

Having taught social and political studies in adult and community education for more than twenty years in the first part of her career, she went on to teach radio skills and print journalism in further education and she has been a course writer for the Open College of the Arts. She has produced community-based radio programmes for BBC Radio Sheffield and features for BBC Radio 4. She now concentrates full time on writing, painting and photography.

Reviews
'It features wonderful images of the hares themselves, a testimony to the author's patience, fieldcraft and expertise as a photographer ... Underlying the photography, the text carries a powerful conservation message, emphasising the importance of habitat diversity, for the hares and for the rest of the associated wildlife.' Dr Derek Yalden, Mammal News
'Christine Gregory's book is a worthy addition to the tradition of natural history writing. It is scientifically accurate, well-written and a homage to an animal Christine is clearly fond of.' Jim Dixon, Chief Executive, Peak District National Park Authority



Book Information
ISBN 9781906148560
Author Christine Gregory
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint Vertebrate Publishing Ltd
Publisher Vertebrate Publishing Ltd
Weight(grams) 520g
Dimensions(mm) 189mm * 246mm * 11mm