VIKING BUNNIES
The theme for the trail was inspired by organiser Chris Fox’s pet bunnies, as well as a local historical connection.
The rabbit has a long history with Barnsley going back to the times of the Vikings. Hands up anyone who’s now thinking of little rabbits wearing horned helmets, fighting battles with weasels and rowing long boats.
Nearby Rabbit Ings Country Park in Barnsley has a rabbit carved on its hillside which can be seen from miles around. This Norse image ties into the name of the site ‘ings’ being a Norse word or description of low lying wetland and of course a rabbit.
Viking Bunny illustration by Jessica Woodhouse