THERE are rustlings and shufflings around Fernhill Heath as the village prepares to be overtaken by scarecrows.

Fernhill Heath Scarecrow Trail is back this weekend for potentially the final time due to one of the organisers stepping down from the role.

The event sees up to 100 scarecrows appear across the village as local families and businesses get into the spirit. 

This year will mark the sixth year of the event, which is organised by Cllr Meg Farmer. She's previously been helped out by another resident, Emma Gannon, who can no longer assist.

Cllr Farmer said: "This could be the last scarecrow trail unless someone can come forward to help - we won't be able to run it again.

"It is a fantastic community event, and you just need to see the families walking around the village trying to find each scarecrow.

"It has grown from 20 scarecrows taking the park to 150 during lockdown and still now more than 100."

Using a ‘route trail map’, residents and visitors can tour the village, looking at the different entries across the half-term period, with the event running from October 29 to November 5.

Maps can be purchased from the Costcutter Post Office, Dilmore Avenue Stores and the Village Pop-Up Cafe, which will be at 13 Westfield Road.

There is no set price for the maps, but the community does ask for a donation, and the event is free to attend.

This year there are around 105 scarecrows made of straw, pumpkins, and old clothes that will pop up outside residents' properties in the village.

"It allows people to see different scarecrows and get the community together and families together," Cllr Farmer added.

All money raised during the event will go to replacing the village's metal benches with nicer ones.

The winner of the scarecrow trail will be announced during the week when the chair of Wychavon District Council, Robert Raphael, votes for his favourite decoration.

If you would like to help Cllr Farmer organise next year's event, please call her on 07909643014.