In article ,
says...
We have just discovered one of our shrubs, a late-flowering ceanothus,
dying on one side. On searching there has been a neat removal of the
bark right round the trunk near the base. It has been completely
stripped off and looks as if it has been cut off with a knife as it is
so perfect! Is this the work of a hare as we do have a couple
around? If so, I'll put a cage round it.

Unlikely to be a hare IMO. You say the bark is completely stripped in a
full circle all the way round - you don't have any 2 legged pests do you?
--
David
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