Tributes paid to Otley environmentalist and author

Mr Godfrey, an active Green Party member and the founder of several environmental groups died earlier this month, aged 63, from cancer.

He was the driving force behind the bid to create a community orchard in Gallows Hill nature reserve - an initiative that is now proceeding.

Mr Godfrey also stood as a Green candidate in the Ashfield ward for the May, 2016 Otley Town Council elections and was the designer of the local party's leaflets.

His friend and fellow Green Party member, Town Councillor Mick Bradley, said: "Rob didn't just talk the talk he lived it, and his enthusiasm for new ideas, his energy and the way he worked in a practical, common-sense and cheerful way will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

"He had an in depth knowledge of, and passion for, growing and was always generous in sharing this with others and encouraging their efforts.

"Rob’s own garden is a wonderful, multilayered growing garden with poly tunnels rising up to the old railway line behind Bradford Road.

"It was from that line, one day to be part of the Wharfedale Greenway, that a walking group entered Rob’ garden on the Green Walk as part of the 2017 Otley Walking Festival - one of Rob’s final initiatives which, sadly, he was unable to lead."

As an author Mr Godfrey had his first book, Yorkshire Dales: A Dog Walker's Guide, published in July, 2011.

His first fictional work, Year of the Celt: Imbolc, appeared in 2012 and was set in Otley and the Wharfe Valley in 499 BC.

Incorporating themes with a contemporary resonance, including climate change and the fate of refugees, it was intended to be the first of four books.

Cllr Bradley said: "Rob was a man of many talents including as an author, and his novel is a gripping read.

"He was also a prolific designer of websites with his latest one being The Otley Peddler, for local community groups and businesses.

"Rob was a dog lover, taking his own Springer Spaniel Charlie for regular walks locally and in the Dales, so of course he wrote a book about this too!

"He was also a keen model railway builder, an enthusiasm we shared.

"He was engaged with a reconstruction of the old Otley station and network with his skills as a trained electrician being useful for setting up a full computer controlled DCC train layout - and installing his own, solar energy system on shed roofs at home."

Otley Town Council expressed its sadness at Mr Godfrey's passing too, at its recent Environment and Sustainability Committee meeting.

Chairman Councillor Ray Georgeson said: "We recorded our gratitude for Rob's contribution to improving our town for the betterment of our local and global environment."

Mr Godfrey had a natural burial at a woodland site near Settle on Monday, July 24.

Donations can be made to his selected charity, The Woodland Trust, at JUSTGIVING DETAILS COMING MONDAY.