In March, the country entered its first lockdown.

People were prohibited from travelling far for their daily exercise. As a consequence, many new visitors discovered that we have a hidden gem in Frodsham: Hob Hey Wood.

The timing of the lockdown meant that more people than ever got to enjoy the wood's wildflower season.

We saw bluebells carpet the woodland floor, waving in the breeze, like an inland cerulean sea.

We witnessed the thousands of wild garlic flowers covering the wetter areas of the wood, filling the air with their pungent scent.

Not to be outdone, yellow lesser celandine seemed to glow like the sun even on cloudy days.

Over the months the wood was filled with life; sparrowhawks and woodpeckers built nests not caring about the many human observers.

Migrating birds filled the wood with song, singing from trees laden with vivid green leaves and beautiful blossom.

The lockdown lifted but many people continued to visit to enjoy the spectacles of Frodsham's ancient woodland.

We're now heading into a second lockdown.

Once again, people will be restricted to local areas for their daily exercise and once again, Hob Hey Wood has much to offer the people of Frodsham.

For the next few weeks, the wood should look spectacular; the trees adorned with their autumn cloaks.

Different trees put on different coloured displays.

The field maple is a gorgeous, vivid yellow, shining in low autumn sunlight. Beech, in complete contrast, have bold, brassy leaves that shine even on dull days.

Wych elm have huge leaves that turn a lemon-yellow colour which stands out against the background of bronze leaves on the tallest trees in the wood, the oaks.

As the leaves fall, they carpet the woodland floor, turning it from its usual black to a dazzling mix of yellows, reds and golds.

The babbling brook snakes its way downwards towards the River Weaver with its banks adorned with autumn leaves; a silver thread amongst the fallen leaves making a lovely, ephemeral sight.

This time of year is excellent for beautiful sunrises, without having to get up too early.

The low sun turns the sky red and orange and bathes the trees with soft light, making them shine as rays refract off the dew on their leaves.

It's possible to have a peaceful walk, soaking in the atmosphere of early morning and not see another soul.

A walk down to the river, where the wood meets the Weaver, is lovely on a sunny early morning with the mist rising off the water, reflecting the early ruddy colours of the sunrise.

After the leaves have fallen the wood's birds become much easier to spot. Hidden by the dense foliage in summer, they become exposed to the visitor's gaze as they go about the business of preparing for winter.

Resident woodpeckers, treecreepers and goldcrests will all be easy to spot and very tolerant of viewers.

Redwings and fieldfares, migrants from Scandinavia, will roost in the trees, calling to announce their presence.

Lots of other birds live here, too, and it's possible to see about 30 species on a good day just in Hob Hey.

If you are wondering where to get your daily exercise during lockdown, I hope the above description and pictures, will show you that there's lots to experience in our little ancient woodland.

I've written up an autumn walk through the wood and posted it on our website It shows a route to take and what to expect to see.

Take a walk through the wood and explore Frodsham's ancient woodland for yourself.