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Written question asked by Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 January 2026. It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Hares: Surrey

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help protect hare populations in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency.

Answer

The department has supported Surrey County Council to prepare their Local Nature Recovery Strategy, with publication expected shortly. It will set nature recovery priorities and map specific proposals for habitat creation and improvement that will support many species such as hares.

Nationally, protection of the brown hare population is provided through hare coursing legislation which was brought in under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. Together with improved police tactics, intelligence and information sharing, they are reducing levels of hare coursing which will play a part in the recovery of the species.

In addition, the Government’s recently published Animal Welfare Strategy contains a commitment to consider the introduction of a close season on shooting brown hares.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
107598
Session
2024-26
Related items
Animal welfare strategy for England
Monday, 22 December 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects
Conservation Surrey Hares
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk