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Natural Histories

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

Nature that has had a profound impact on human culture and society across history.

Nature that has got under our skin and profoundly impacted human culture and society across our history.

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Natural Histories: Hare

Hare

BBC Radio 4 - Natural Histories, Hare

The hare - a creature that is both mysterious and magical, as Brett Westwood discovers.

The Celts believed the hare had supernatural powers. They were rumoured to shape-shift and even change sex. Brett Westwood goes in search of the Mad March Hare.

There is a roof boss in a church in Devon of three hares running after one another in a circle. Whilst three hares can be clearly seen and each hare has two ears, when you count the ears there are only three. What does this motif mean and where else can it be found? All is revealed when Brett Westwood goes in search of the truth about the elusive and magical Mad March Hare, learns about an ancient coin bearing the image of a hare, and has an unforgettable encounter with several wild hares on a Norfolk farm. 

First broadcast in a longer form 20/06/2017
Original producer for BBC Audio in Bristol Producer Sarah Blunt.
Archive producer for BBC Audio in Bristol Andrew Dawes

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