Winter has made its presence
felt in Nidderdale!
. 
The snow coverings, alternating with extremely wet weather, as well as the latest total lockdown, has rather limited the chances of the NCVs being able to do any good deeds in the environment during January. However, one or two things have been done and we'll take a look at these first before turning our attention to a photographic competition that the NCVs have been entering. They were tasked with making sure that their entries were taken locally in January 2021 to ensure lockdown restrictions were not broken. (Holiday snaps, submitted by an NCV who shall remain nameless, taken in previous years on wildlife safaris, were rejected out of hand. This in spite of the claim that the hippo was spotted in Glasshouses Dam and the killer whale in the NCV's garden pond.)
So - first to some achievements and interesting bits of news.....
Phil reported doing some litter picking in a local layby, as well as collecting debris brought down the Nidd in the last flood. Unfortunately we only have his word for this as no photographic evidence was sent in. However, as he is a fine, upstanding member of the community I think we can take him at his word.
Anita, on the other hand, did send in a picture of all the litter she collected whilst out walking along the railway line between Spofforth and Wetherby. The bag on the right is full of dog poo bags! She asks 'Why oh why????" and wished she'd taken a wheelbarrow out with her. When she returned another day to continue the job she discovered an improved situation. Obviously she had inspired others to do the same!
Liz spent one of her work days having a clear out in the barn, throwing out lots of mildewed leaflets and defunct, mouldy banners and deciding on how to store all the bow saws.
Oh Liz - what a big job to undertake all on your own!
We are so sorry that we cannot help you just now!
Might this new system for the road signs also work for the bowsaws?
She spent another day checking on the jobs that still need doing in Hackfall Woods.
Whilst there she cleared up this dreadful mess in the field below the car park.
Presumably the aftermath of a New Year's Eve Party.
She also spotted these steps by Mowbray Castle,
desperately in need of a sweep....
....so she whisked out her brush (spade?)
and cleared them beautifully.
Now visitors can descend (or ascend) safely.
The next is not a job done, but an environmentally friendly method of transport. When snow prevented Andrew going for his daily run down to Pateley he got out his skis. Perhaps he needs to enter for the next winter Olympics?
There is a new inhabitant in the lake in Fishpond Wood - a fat, 12 inch long goldfish!
It has obviously been released there by someone who didn't have a big enough fish bowl.
Please be aware - this is NOT a good idea, as you can find out via this government website.
Trouble lurks in the deep.
Our very own singer-song writer Tom hasn't been out very much but has usefully spent some time writing a new song 'Memories and Photographs' instead. As it is very much related to the lockdown I am adding the link to it below and hope that you enjoy listening to it as much as I did. (A box of tissues is provided for your use if required.)
Memories and Photographs'
And now to the photographic extravaganza that is:
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The January 2021 NCV
Photography Competition.
Sponsored by
The Pateley Pigeon Post
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All our readers are encouraged to look at the great pictures that have been sent in, note down their favourite in each of the three categories and then, using the survey link at the bottom of the blog, enter your votes. You have until Friday 5th February to register your choices - anyone can vote, not just NCVs, so send the blog link to your friends and family in order that they, too, can participate. Results will be announced on the 6th February in a special awards edition of the blog. There are substantial prizes to be won.
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- Category 1 - Yorkshire Wildlife
Entry 1 - Great crested snowy owl
Entry 2 - Dinosaurs in Bebra Gardens
Entry 3 - Barn Owl Hunting
Entry 4 - Iron Robin (a new species)
Entry 5 - King of the River Nidd
____________________________________________________________- Category 2 - The North Yorkshire Landscape
Entry 1 - Snowfall in Harrogate
Entry 2 - Wintery Nidderdale Wonderland
Entry 3 - A lonesome tree
Entry 4 - Lake View in Winter
Entry 5 - Oak Beck
Entry 6 - Ribston Park
Entry 7 - Snowy Scriven Park
Entry 8 - Grewelthorpe Pond in Winter
Entry 9 - Sunrise at Brimham Rocks
Entry 10 - Valley Gardens in the snow
____________________________________________________- Category 3 - Seasonal signs
Entry 1 - Summer Snowflakes
Entry 2 - A smiling Bhudda (thinking about the Happy Christmas he has just had)
Entry 3 - Early Aconites
Entry 4 - New Year Bulbs
Entry 5 - Fantastic Fungi
And just in case you are wondering:
Hairy Curtain Crust fugus (left) and Leafy Jelly fungus (right)
Entry 6 - Snow Angel
Entry 7 - Mating Mallards (warning - X rated)
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