The chance to savour and sum up a prolific and highly praised output ,sown, tilled and harvested by one of my long-time favourites, comes as both sheer delight and daunting challenge … how to do justice to the remarkably creative furrows, long life and rich legacy of Ronald Blythe.

He did it all without ever owning a car, computer or mobile phone.

And he rarely travelled more than a few miles from his idyllic base down a rutted track on the Suffolk-Essex border, a Tudor longhouse called Bottengons, bequeathed to him by artist friends John and Christine Nash.

Ronnie, as he liked to be called, in turn willed his wonderful hideaway to Essex Wildlife Trust as a retreat for writers, artists and naturalists.

The celebrated author died shortly after reaching his century on January 24, 2023, and publication of the best-selling selection of his essays, Next To Nature, A Lifetime in the English Countryside, on parade as sumptuous monthly treats.

Now we welcome another surefire winner, Blythe Spirit, a compelling comprehensive biography by my........

© Norwich Evening News