We are lucky: we can still go for a walk in the Suffolk countryside, even in this very strange time. Others aren't so lucky. If you're one of the people stuck inside in this intermittently beautiful spring weather, come with me on a virtual walk. This is what we can see...
We'll start at the lane from Withermarsh Green towards Thorington Street. Here's the lane.
Look out for the almost invisible footpath sign on the left round this corner. You'll have to look carefully - it's hard to spot.
This is the entrance to the Green Lane. It's a lovely walk in any weather, but especially in spring, when the mud has gone and the nettles have not yet taken over.
Straight on here.
The bluebells are just starting to form flowers. Here's an early pioneer, but they'll all be with us soon...
The wind flowers already are...
Sometimes the path encloses us like a private garden full of blossom.
Sometimes the vista opens out to show us a horizon.
Then we come to the bottom of the Green Lane.
Let's turn right towards Thorington Street. We go along the edge of the fields to avoid the road, then we come to ancient Thorington Hall, with its lovely ochre walls and improbable Tudor chimney pots...
Past the mill, through the cottages and along the river towards Stoke-by-Nayland. Sadly the willows were cut down last autumn. New ones have been planted, but for the next 30 years or so, this part of the walk will not be as lovely as it once was.
Back over the river by the bridge.
Past a patch of proper wilderness.
And so, back up the bridlepath track to Withermarsh Green. It's steep, oof! Who said Suffolk was flat!
At the top is an oak tree that's growing its own garden of grass, ferns and bluebells.
We're back on the road now, but we can still enjoy the views. And the sun's come out!
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