Cllr James Mallinder tabled an important motion for the East Suffolk Council meeting in January, to support dwindling local hare populations and offer greater protection for local biodiversity. The motion endorsed fully by the Council, enhances and builds on the long-standing commitment of the previous Conservative administration of making sure the local wildlife is a priority in the formation of public policy. It prioritises environmental impact and the preservation of East Suffolk's unique natural heritage.
Cllr Mallinder’s impassioned speech set out several clear actions:
· Enhanced Habitat Connectivity: Prioritising the creation of "wildlife corridors" in new planning applications to ensure hares and other native species can move safely between feeding and nesting grounds.
· Anti-Poaching Collaboration: Increasing coordination with the Suffolk Constabulary Rural Crime Team to combat illegal hare coursing, which remains a significant threat to local populations.
· Biodiversity Integration: Incorporating specific hare-friendly land management practices into the Council’s owned land and in their development of new planning policies.
Cllr Mallinder said:
“The brown hare is an iconic symbol of the East Suffolk countryside, yet they face increasing pressure from habitat loss and illegal activity. I’m delighted that my motion passed and we are sending a clear message to our residents and visitors to East Suffolk – we care about the environment, our wildlife, and about the brown hares. This motion will not just be protecting a single species; we are reinforcing our commitment to our unique local biodiversity.
“Over the last 100 years we have lost nearly 80% of our hare population in the UK, we are saying in East Suffolk, this is enough and we must now turn the clock back for our hares and all our wildlife which is struggling and give them real support which they deserve.”
Although primarily designed to support our local hare populations, the motion will in fact benefit our entire ecosystem. Cllr Mallinder added:
“As we start 2026, I am delighted to see a stronger commitment from East Suffolk in implementing positive environmental policy and this motion is a great starting position to once again become environmental leaders in Suffolk.”
Photo credit:
Hare: Cheryl Gray - Hares on the Deben Peninsula
Cllr Mallinder: James Mallinder
