The Dales and Moors have huge open spaces, a rabbit usually has a long way to go to reach safety whereas down south the fields are small, lots of hedges/banks where a rabbit can reach safety in a few hops....Simples!...Rabbits up north are easier to catch on the large open spaces!...Been there, seen it, done it, got the T shirt and the pictures! I envy you lads up north with the opportunities you and your young dogs have.