We headed towards Marbury Country Park, famous for its ghostly white lady who allegedly inhabited Marbury Hall and grounds. They were used as a war camp during the second World War and remained open until subsidence forced the hall’s demolition in the 1960’s.

Driving slowly past the deciduous and evergreen trees that line the approach road, we noticed hues of crimson, magenta, opal and terracotta.

After a few deep breaths, enabling us to empty our minds so we could focus on the landscape and the wildlife, we swished and sashayed through the leaves on the path leading towards the woodland hide.

My husband ambled down to the mere, while I entered the hide to escape from the crowds. I closed my eyes and tuned in to the wildlife. The sounds became louder and more intense. I could hear crackling and dripping, interrupted by shrill birdsong. I looked up and noticed blue tits on the feeder. The nature scape made me feel calmer and more relaxed.

To the right of the feeders a male bullfinch was flittering amongst shrivelled blackberries, desperately foraging for a meal. His cardinal red pom-pom breast flashed past the hide like a cotton wool ball; a flicker of harlequin feathers signalling his departure. The barely discernible ‘peu, peu’ call created a serene ‘otherworldly’ atmosphere.

Even if you cannot go outside in inclement weather, you can still experience nature by listening to soundscapes provided on the Nature for Health and Wellbeing page section of Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s website.