Don’t forget to check our Events Diary for more information on events in all our villages and surrounding area.

If you have something to add to the Cottesbrooke pages, you can get in touch with your village correspondent via cottesbrookevhc@gmail.com

Community Spirit Shines Bright After Recent Flooding

In the wake of the recent flooding that affected many of our communities, the true spirit of our special villages has shone through. Despite the challenges and hardships faced, the resilience and unity of our residents have been nothing short of inspiring.

From the very first moments of the flood, neighbours were seen helping each other, and supporting those in need.

In Cottesbrooke, a big thank you goes to Mark Harris for helping ferry people across the flooded water and with Henry and Phil Jackson, and others, who worked so hard to keep the water levels down. Also, Stefanie van den Haak for going out and about to check the local roads for accessibility for those of us with smaller vehicles.

This flood has tested us, but it has also brought out the best in us. The acts of kindness and solidarity we have witnessed, and were repeated across the region, are a testament to the strength of our community. As we see the wildfires, and other natural disasters, impact other communities across the world I hope we all get to carry forward this spirit of togetherness and support.

Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way, big or small!

Image of flooding, courtesy of Stefanie van den Haak.

Birders Come to the Village

Residents have seen bird watchers around the village since the autumn as, this winter, we have had a UK-wide invasion of Hawfinches, most likely from Scandinavia/eastern Europe. Hawfinch is quite an uncommon bird in Northamptonshire and it's easy to go for a few years without seeing one locally. When we have had such invasions in the past, Cottesbrooke  - along with other 'traditional' sites in the county (e.g. Blatherwycke in the north and Thenford in the south) - has attracted them. The reason for this is because they like quiet areas with mature trees and they favour churchyards because most of these are planted with Yew trees, the berries of which are a great favourite with Hawfinches.

They also eat other naturally growing nuts and seeds and they like Hornbeam trees, especially.

They occur in only small flocks; at Cottesbrooke, the largest flock seen has been eight birds.

Thanks to Mike Alibone (Optics Editor, Birdwatch Web: www.northantsbirds.com) for his input and the photograph of the Hawfinch taken behind the church.