The current population is descended from animals released onto the Peak District moors in the latter part of the 19th century for sporting purposes. The animals expanded rapidly from 3 release sites on the NW and NE sides of the Peak District and colonised most of the Dark Peak moors where they are now widespread. Numbers and distribution have increased with periodic setbacks in severe winters such as 1947 and 1962-63. A detailed survey was carried out in 2000, organised by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust in co-operation with the Peak District National Park and National Trust's High Peak Estate. Mountain hare presence was recorded in 332 1-km squares, an increase of 35% since 1984, and numbers were also shown to have increased over the same period (Mallon 2001, Mallon et al. 2003).

More information on mountain hares in Derbyshire.

Species identification information

Distribution map