Scarecrows set to take over Pomeroy village

Scarecrows have played a role in our agricultural heritage down the generations and later this month the village of Pomeroy is hosting a special community ‘Scarecrow Trail’.
By Community Reporter
Published 8th Oct 2020, 05:36 BST

Built from straw, scarecrows have been used for hundreds of years as protectors of crops, but this wasn’t always the case.

In medieval times, scarecrows were young boys who were tasked with the responsibility of scaring away the birds.

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Known as bird scarers or bird shooers, they patrolled wheat fields carrying bags of stones, and chased away any crow or starling that tried to land in the fields by waving their arms and throwing stones.

The farmers eventually couldn’t find enough boys to employ as bird scarers to protect their crops, and turned to using stuffed sacks with straw and painted on faces or carved faces into turnips and made scarecrows that stood against poles.

Pomeroy Scarecrow trail builds on this rich agricultural heritage and sets out to involve the whole village in a community event that will be great fun for all. While decorating and enhancing the village during a fortnight in October, it will also encourage people to get outdoors to admire the wonderful creations on display.

Connecting Pomeroy Project are inviting households, schools, groups and organisations to get involved and create a scarecrow or group of scarecrows, based on any character or theme. There is also an opportunity for local business to get involved and promote their produce or service in a fun filled way to the local community. 

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Prizes will be awarded to the best displays in various categories and the public will be invited to vote for their favourite scarecrow.

If you would like to register to produce a scarecrow display in Pomeroy please contact Michael or Rosemary at Rural Action on 028 8648 0900 or email: [email protected] or [email protected]

The ‘Scarecrow Trail’ - running from October 19 to November 2 - is being supported by the Connecting Pomeroy project, funded through the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and led by Mid Ulster District Council.

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Related topics:Scarecrow trail