A scarecrow trail gives people a reason to explore their village, admire their neighbours’ creativity and spend an afternoon outdoors. Residents, schools or local businesses make scarecrows, and visitors follow a map to find them. You can add clues, a favourite-scarecrow vote or fundraising activities, but a small trail can work with just a handful of displays and clear directions.

The most useful starting point is deciding where the scarecrows will go and how visitors will find them. Decorations, prizes and refreshments can follow once those basics are settled.