05/06/2026
The seventh Owslebury Scarecrow Trail was a scorcher – both in terms of temperature and in money raised for village funds.
This year’s theme was ‘Iconic People and Characters’, and a total of 43 scarecrows lined the roads and lanes around the village.
There was a spectacular array of creativity, imagination and humour on show – many of the creations were sculptures more than scarecrows!
Nearly 260 completed forms were submitted – and nine people correctly identified all the iconic people and characters.*
Visitors voted for their favourites, and while the voting was fairly evenly spread, three favourites gradually emerged:
First place – Lassie (Emma Simmons)
Runners up: Jane Goodall (Julia King) and Amelia Earhart (Ali Allan and nephew Alex).
Thank you to everyone who made a scarecrow, because without you the Trail would not be possible.
The Scarecrow Trail takings were over £2,500, shared between OMCA and the Friends of St Andrews Church, and takings for Owslebury Festival are approaching £3,000.
Treasurer Eryl Smith is still crunching the numbers!
Proceeds from the final day will be donated to Wheek & Squeak Guinea Pig Rescue in memory of Lucy McCullough, who loved Owslebury Scarecrow Trail and also loved guinea pigs. Lucy's dad Gary is Owslebury's Accredited Community Safety Officer.
Thanks to:
Scarecrow Trail organisers
· Paul Simmons
· Tracy Archibald
· Siobhan Hand
Rebecca Hurst – for creating and updating the fantastically clear map
Carol Chaplin-Rogers, for organising the rota for the Scarecrow Trail, and all the volunteers who helped keep the stall open from 10am each day until early evening.
The 43 scarecrow creators, many of whom have taken part every year since this started in 2020.
Phil Space in Lower Upham for the free hire of portable toilets for the week.
Bowman Ales, Droxford for donating a barrel of ale for the festival.
Charters estate agents for the publicity boards throughout the village.
*Thank you to Emma at The Ship Inn Owslebury for the generous donation of a meal for 2 adults and 3 children for the winner.
If anyone has any feedback, ideas or would like to help next year, please email [email protected].
