Organisers of Lyndhurst’s annual scarecrow trail hail event a success as residents and businesses come together to create 80 masterpieces including Barbie, Supertato and Roald Dahl characters

MAD Hatters, Barbie and Roald Dahl characters popped up around Lyndhurst at the weekend for the return of the village’s third annual scarecrow trail.

Organised by local residents and parents from St Michael and All Angels Infant School and Lyndhurst Pre-Schoool, the community event involved more than 80 households and businesses who stepped up to create an array of colourful characters.

It was hailed as a huge success by spokesperson Hannah Chalk, who said: “This was our third year of hosting the trail and once again the weather was absolutely wonderful.

“It was certainly the most successful year to date and we raised more money than ever before.”

Residents from Forest Gardens created a spectacular Alice in Wonderland tea party themed entry and served tea and cake to boost the fundraising total by collecting £800.

The Stag Hotel also hosted a family barn dance on Saturday evening to celebrate the event.

Hannah added: “The trail continues to grow and be a huge draw for people each year, especially to families.

“It is always so wonderful to see just how well the village community pulls together and gets involved with the trail.

“This year we had some very, very creative scarecrows – participants are definitely upping the bar every year.”

Top entries included Barbie and Ken in the Dream Car, a sloth, Willie Wonka and Charlie and an impressive ‘Supertato’ design.

Hannah said: “The range and scope of entries was superb.

“We were so delighted to see what everyone had come up with and can’t wait until next year’s trail – a huge thank you to everyone who took part.”

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