MOON HARE: Railway Embankment & Rejuvenation.
Click hear to hear the sound of a Steam Train :
Why a Hare looking at the Moon?
You may be wondering why we have placed a hare up on the disused railway line, now used as a recreational path for villagers. To understand why it is a fitting symbol for this site, let us introduce you to the more mysterious side of this amazing creature.
Ancient Hares
Hares have been associated with the moon since ancient times, beginning in the 2nd century BC in China. It was believed that the dark marks on the surface of the moon were a hare, pounding herbs for immortals, meaning they would live forever! This belief persists in parts of India, with hares appearing in several Buddhist stories. The full moon even today can be referred to as a Hare Moon. Why not take a look on a clear night and decide for yourself?
A Celestial Connection
On a more earthly level, it used to be believed that hares had a gestation period of 28 days, which linked them to the goddess Oestre, who gave her name to Easter, and to Oestrogen. Although we now know this to be incorrect, the association remains.
Hares are often shown gazing at a new moon, as the hare is a symbol of rebirth and regeneration. A moon-gazing hare is a symbol of hope for the future, much like the rejuvenated railway path that now serves as a peaceful and scenic walk for our community.
Regeneration
Written by K. Kaye
May 2025
Railway ‘Mania King’
Written by K. Kaye
May 2025
The Railway
Written by K. Kaye / G. Wisher
See Archives
The Station
Written by K. Kaye / G. Wisher
See Archives
Welcome to the Heritage Trail
Discover the rich history and stories of Middleton on the Wolds through our Heritage Trail. This initiative is funded by the UK Government, and the Middleton on the Wolds Parish Council. It was the instigated and delivered by Volunteers of the Middleton on the Wolds Green Group.
Throughout the village, you’ll find sculptures of hares, each equipped with a QR code. Scan these codes to access a wealth of information and photos about our village’s heritage.
Maps will be available from the local post office, or to print from this site to help you locate all the sculptures, allowing you to walk around the village and immerse yourself in its history.
The sculpture on the village green is dedicated to Geoff Wisher, our late beloved village historian. We extend our gratitude to his family for providing much of the information you will discover amongst these pages.