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*ON THE BRIGHT SIDE MARCH 2023*

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE MARCH 2023

Wednesday 1st March 2023

March hares - why do they box?
In the spring it is possible to see hares boxing, you've heard the expression "as mad as a March hare"? The saying refers to the seemingly erratic boxing displays of hares in March, as they begin to exhibit mating behaviour. It is one of Britain's most memorable wildlife spectacles. But what's behind it?
Most people would assume that boxing is the courtship display of male hares, eager to prove themselves a worthy mate to females. It may surprise you to find out that it's in fact the females who instigate boxing as a way to fend off the mating urges of the males. Just something you may have wondered about?
The Ides of March
You've probably heard of William Shakespeare's play "Beware the Ides of March." The phrase has a dark and gloomy connotation referring to March 15, and it's likely that many people who use the phrase today don't know its true origin, and just think the day itself is cursed. But the 'Ides of March' actually has a non-threatening history. Ides were ancient markers in relation to lunar phases, and Ides simply refers to the first new moon of a given month, which usually fell between the 13th and 15th. In fact, the Ides of March once signified the new year, which meant celebrations and rejoicing. So not the dark and gloomy connotation we first thought!

Recycling initiative
News on this to follow.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
Isn't it great that the days are now drawing out.
Don't forget though that the clocks spring forward on Sunday 26 March 2023.
Happy days
Jean
Website administrator