What action is the Welsh Government taking to support brown hare conservation efforts in Wales?
Welsh Government supports action to benefit a range of species including brown hare through initiatives including the Nature Networks Programme and Natur am Byth. The Sustainable Farming Scheme, which will commence in 2026, will provide further opportunities for farmers and landowners to take action to manage and restore habitats benefiting some of our most threatened species such as the brown hare.
The brown hare is recognised as a species of principal importance under Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. Inclusion on the Section 7 ensures that brown hare is considered across policy and delivery. Public authorities must have regard to the section 7 list when exercising duties to maintain and enhance biodiversity.
Support will be further strengthened through the forthcoming Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill which will introduce legally binding targets to halt and reverse the decline in biodiversity.