THIS year WWT Slimbridge is hosting a hare as part of The Cotswolds AONB Hare Trail.

The trail taking place across the Cotswolds until September the 9.

Designed by illustrator Sarah Vonthron-Laver, the giant 5ft tall colourful hare, vibrantly depicting the Cotswold landscape in each season, is positioned at the entrance to WWT Slimbridge.

Sarah Vonthron-Laver said: “When the opportunity came up to paint a hare for the Cotswolds trail I leapt at the chance.

"I like the idea of bringing art into the public domain when people can get right up close, and in this case to raise awareness of the fragile nature of our landscapes in a way that excites and engages.”

In its fifth year, the Cotswold Hare Trail has partnered with the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and includes 130 hare sculptures waiting to be discovered all over the Cotswolds.

The hares' locations and designs explore the theme of ‘living landscapes’, to promote sustainable tourism and environmental conservation throughout the area.

Sarah Vonthron-Laver said: “During the creation of the hare I have learned so much about Slimbridge, their ethos and how they promote strong links between art and nature."

Cotswolds AONB Hare Passport Guides are available at WWT Slimbridge or maps are available online.

The person who manages to tick off all 130 sculptures wins a five foot hare to decorate themselves.

All entries must be completed by September 10 and the prize draw will take place at the Farewell Hares end of trail event on September 18.

The trail will culminate on September 21 when the hares will go to auction to raise funds for two special local AONB projects - Caring for the Cotswolds and Glorious Cotswold Grasslands .