There is something difficult going on at a Leeds farm after dozens of straw invaders took over.
Dozens of scarecrows have lined the pathways and trees at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm as part of the Scary Scarecrow Festival. Straw pirates were ready to set sail across the water on their own raft and a bunch of speedy scarecrow cyclists were ready to get on their bikes. Even the trees were not safe from the straw invaders when a cloaked scarecrow wearing a "Scream" style mask managed to climb up high in the branches. Local groups, schools, colleges and organisations all pitched in to create their own scarecrow for the farm's first festival.Visitors to the farm will be able to take a tour of the trail this week and then pick their favourite entry as part of a competition.Farm director Sue Reddington said that the idea to stage the Scary Scarecrow Festival came from the farm's horticultural trainer James Lee.She said: "I think that the idea was just for a bit of fun and to try and brighten up autumn."Some of the younger children that have been to see the scarecrows have been a little bit frightened by them but I think that everyone seems to like them and are finding it fun."The farm hope that if the festival is popular and pulls in the crowds then they will be able to hold it again next year.Sue Reddington added: "If the event is popular then we may hold it again next year but we will probably start making the scarecrows a bit earlier."We have had to keep popping out to the charity shops to buy some more second hand clothes for them."She said that her favourites included a scarecrow with stripy legs and the pirate invasion.Local schools that have been involved include: Middleton and Park Spring Primary Schools, Munroe Playgroup, Carr Manor, Primrose, Lawnswood and Brooksbank HIgh Schools as well as Kirklees College.There will be a ballot box in the EpiCentre and votes will be counted on Saturday at 2pm.The winners will receive free membership to the farm and prizes will be awarded for the best scary scarecrow in each category.
Dozens of scarecrows have lined the pathways and trees at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm as part of the Scary Scarecrow Festival. Straw pirates were ready to set sail across the water on their own raft and a bunch of speedy scarecrow cyclists were ready to get on their bikes. Even the trees were not safe from the straw invaders when a cloaked scarecrow wearing a "Scream" style mask managed to climb up high in the branches. Local groups, schools, colleges and organisations all pitched in to create their own scarecrow for the farm's first festival.Visitors to the farm will be able to take a tour of the trail this week and then pick their favourite entry as part of a competition.Farm director Sue Reddington said that the idea to stage the Scary Scarecrow Festival came from the farm's horticultural trainer James Lee.She said: "I think that the idea was just for a bit of fun and to try and brighten up autumn."Some of the younger children that have been to see the scarecrows have been a little bit frightened by them but I think that everyone seems to like them and are finding it fun."The farm hope that if the festival is popular and pulls in the crowds then they will be able to hold it again next year.Sue Reddington added: "If the event is popular then we may hold it again next year but we will probably start making the scarecrows a bit earlier."We have had to keep popping out to the charity shops to buy some more second hand clothes for them."She said that her favourites included a scarecrow with stripy legs and the pirate invasion.Local schools that have been involved include: Middleton and Park Spring Primary Schools, Munroe Playgroup, Carr Manor, Primrose, Lawnswood and Brooksbank HIgh Schools as well as Kirklees College.There will be a ballot box in the EpiCentre and votes will be counted on Saturday at 2pm.The winners will receive free membership to the farm and prizes will be awarded for the best scary scarecrow in each category.
