Schools have been invited to join the ‘Creative Scarecrow Challenge’ to protect community crops.
‘Grow Jersey’ is calling on local schools and students to take part in a fun and creative end‑of‑term challenge — building scarecrows to help protect this season’s fruit and vegetable crops, including produce destined for local food banks.
The School Scarecrow Challenge, with a closing date of 14 July, invites students to design and build their own scarecrow using recycled or natural materials. The finished creations will be displayed at Grow Jersey, where they will stand guard over squash patches and fruit trees — helping to deter birds such as magpies and crows.
Organisers hope the initiative will give students a hands‑on opportunity to support community food growing, while learning about sustainability, food security, and local wildlife.
’This is a simple, creative way for students to get involved in something meaningful at the end of term,’ said Grow Jersey co-founder Sheena Brockie. ‘Not only will they have fun building their scarecrows, but they’ll also be directly helping to protect crops that support our community — including fresh produce for food banks’
How schools can take part
Build a scarecrow using recycled, repurposed or natural materials
Give it a name and a short story
Deliver it to Grow Jersey (students can bring it during visits or sessions)
All scarecrows will be displayed in the fields, transforming the growing space into a collection of ‘friendly guardians watching over the harvest.
A reward for schools
As a thank you, every participating school will receive:
A free bird box for their grounds
A certificate of participation
The challenge has a quick turnaround, making it ideal for the final weeks of the school year.
Supporting the community
The initiative highlights the importance of community growing and protecting local food supplies. The crops grown at Grow Jersey are used to support local food banks, or used by the school and community groups who visit grow, making the project both educational and impactful.
‘We’d love to see as many schools as possible take part and help us fill the fields with scarecrows,’ Sheena added. ‘Together, we can grow something good for the community.’
For more information or to take part, please contact:
Sheena Brockie, hello@growjersey.co.uk
