A baby rabbit with a long pedigree

Claxton, Norfolk The cony, as it was originally called, was probably introduced by the Plantagenets

A large grey fur ball bustles suddenly by the path and then stares up with soft black eyes. It shows more curiosity than fear, suggesting this is the first time in its short life that it has met my kind. Certainly it is my first baby rabbit of the spring.

You might think that the widespread emergence of these adorable creatures at this season lies behind the tradition of the Easter bunny but, in fact, the two are completely unrelated. The association between the passion of Christ and the festive lagomorph actually originates with the hare.