Why Bunnies are the Reserve’s Best Friend

Meet Landguard Nature Reserve’s bright-eyed and bushy-tailed furry eco-warriors!

As strange as it may seem, Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are the adorable architects and gardeners of the Nature Reserve – the equivalent of livestock in fact! Their munching and burrowing habits play a vital role in keeping the Reserve in tip-top shape. While some places might find rabbits a bit of a nuisance, here at Landguard, they’re our furry eco-warriors.

Other reserves might rely on sheep, ponies, or cattle to maintain their grasslands, but we’ve got our trusty rabbits to do the job. They are ‘keystone’ species, natural ecosystem engineers, and provide an invaluable service by creating and maintaining microhabitats that benefit plants, birds, and insects.

All year round, these tiny munching machines graze on grass, nibble leafy plants, strip bark, and dig for roots. Their seasonal foraging behaviours help to keep the grassland short, reduce invasive plant species, and create patches of bare earth.

Rabbits promote plant diversity by dispersing seeds, creating conditions for seed germination, and maintaining microhabitats that enable lichens, mosses, and fungi to thrive. With more diverse plants and habitats, we also get more opportunities for birds and invertebrates to flourish.

Without these rabbits, the Nature Reserve would look very different. They play a crucial role in sustaining Landguard and enhancing the enjoyment and well-being of visitors. But remember, much like nesting birds and resting seals, they’re sensitive to disturbance by people and dogs.

 So please, help us keep the Nature Reserve special and unique by appreciating the skills of these mini munching gardeners and letting them work undisturbed. Let’s give a cheer for our wonderful rabbit residents!