It’s Halloween, and Fishbourne is getting into the spirit with a community Scarecrow Trail taking place over the half-term break.
More than 80 scarecrows have been created and displayed around the village, all inspired by this year’s theme, The Magic of Disney.
Families can pick up a trail map and entry form from local businesses including the Fishbourne Centre, the Woolpack and Bulls Head pubs, Fishbourne Roman Palace, Barreg Cycles and H.M. Scarterfield. Participants are encouraged to explore the village, spot the scarecrows, and match them to their Disney characters for a chance to win a prize.
All money raised from the event will go to St Wilfrid’s Hospice and Friends of Fishbourne School.
Why Scarecrows Are a Halloween Favourite
As scarecrows pop up across villages and towns for Halloween, many may wonder why these straw-stuffed figures have become such a seasonal staple.
The tradition goes back centuries, rooted in the harvest season. Originally used by farmers to protect crops from birds, scarecrows became symbols of the autumn harvest — marking the time when fields were cleared and communities prepared for winter.
Their rustic, human-like appearance also made them a natural fit for Halloween’s spookier side. Standing alone in empty fields, they were often linked with folklore and ghost stories — representing the fine line between life and lifelessness that defines the Halloween atmosphere.
Today, scarecrow trails and displays, like those in villages such as Fishbourne, have turned that old farming tool into a source of creativity and community fun. They celebrate both the season’s harvest roots and the playful spirit of Halloween.
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