Jeremy Clarkson Scarecrow Steals the Spotlight in the Cotswolds
Cotswold care home celebrates harvest season with a farming icon-inspired creation
A Harvest Tradition with a Twist
A care home in the Cotswolds has found an unusual — and rather charming — way to celebrate the harvest season: by building a scarecrow modeled after Jeremy Clarkson.
The life-sized figure of the Clarkson’s Farm presenter was created by residents and staff at The Cotswold Home in Bradwell Village, near Burford, as part of the Elizabeth Finn Homes Inter-Home Scarecrow Challenge.
The initiative invited all homes in the group to craft scarecrows inspired by the themes of harvest, farming, and thanksgiving — and The Cotswold Home decided there was no better muse than one of Britain’s most famous (and outspoken) farmers.
Inspiration from Clarkson’s Farm
Jeremy Clarkson, known for his long-running TV career on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, has reinvented himself in recent years as an unlikely champion of British agriculture through his hit Prime Video series Clarkson’s Farm.
The show follows Clarkson’s trials, errors, and triumphs as he runs Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire — just a few miles from the care home itself. His combination of humor, honesty, and admiration for the hard work of real farmers struck a chord with audiences and farmers alike.
Taking inspiration from this new chapter of Clarkson’s life, residents at The Cotswold Home decided to build a scarecrow that reflected not only his personality but also his growing legacy in British farming culture.
Bringing “Clarkson” to Life
The scarecrow — dressed in authentic farmwear and complete with a mischievous smirk — stands proudly in the care home’s reception area.
Staff and local businesses contributed clothing and props to bring the creation to life. A beanie was donated by StowAg, a well-known agricultural supplier, while Aktims of Carterton provided a wheelbarrow to complete the scene.
The scarecrow’s outfit, made up of worn denim, flannel, and a rugged jacket, mirrors Clarkson’s signature countryside style. Even the expression on its face seems to capture his trademark mixture of determination and amusement.
Residents worked together to assemble and decorate the scarecrow, sharing laughter, stories, and plenty of creativity along the way.
“It’s amazing how much joy something so simple can bring,” said one staff member. “Our residents love Jeremy Clarkson and his farm show, so this felt like the perfect way to celebrate the harvest season while having a bit of fun.”
A Celebration of Community and Giving Back
But this scarecrow isn’t just for show. The project has a deeper purpose — one rooted in community, charity, and gratitude.
As part of the Harvest Challenge, The Cotswold Home also opened its doors to support a collection for the Witney and Oxfordshire Food Bank, helping local families in need. Visitors are encouraged to drop off food donations when they come to view the scarecrow in person.
Additionally, the care home is raffling off a Diddly Squat Farm hamper, generously donated by Clarkson’s team, to raise funds for Turn2us, a UK charity that supports individuals and families facing financial hardship.
Turn2us, which owns and operates the Elizabeth Finn Homes group, has been helping people across the country navigate financial insecurity for more than 125 years.
“A Scarecrow with a Purpose”
According to Elizabeth Finn Homes, the annual Scarecrow Challenge was launched to bring together residents and staff from across its eight homes throughout England, celebrating creativity, teamwork, and the spirit of harvest.
This year’s event has gone far beyond friendly competition. At The Cotswold Home, the Clarkson scarecrow has become a symbol of resilience and community pride — reminding everyone that harvest time is as much about giving back as it is about reaping rewards.
“It’s a scarecrow with a purpose,” said a spokesperson for the home. “It celebrates the season, brings people together, and gives something back to the community — all while spreading smiles.”
Visitors Welcome to View the Display
The Jeremy Clarkson scarecrow now stands proudly in the reception area of The Cotswold Home, greeting guests and residents alike.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by, take photos, and, if they wish, contribute to the food bank collection or purchase raffle tickets for the Diddly Squat hamper. The staff report that the scarecrow has already become something of a local attraction, with people from nearby villages dropping in for a look.
“It’s been so heartwarming to see how many people have visited just to see our Clarkson,” said one resident. “He’s quite the celebrity, even in scarecrow form!”
About The Cotswold Home and Elizabeth Finn Homes
The Cotswold Home, rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), provides both residential and nursing care for up to 51 residents. The home is known for its warm atmosphere, community engagement, and beautiful rural surroundings.
It is one of eight care homes operated by Elizabeth Finn Homes, a wholly owned subsidiary of Turn2us. The organization’s mission is to combine high-quality residential care with social responsibility, ensuring residents remain connected to their local communities.
Through creative projects like the Scarecrow Challenge, Elizabeth Finn Homes encourages its homes to celebrate life, creativity, and togetherness — values that resonate deeply with both staff and residents.
A Harvest Season to Remember
What started as a simple idea — crafting a scarecrow for a harvest celebration — has turned into something far more meaningful.
The Jeremy Clarkson scarecrow stands as a tribute not only to the farming spirit Clarkson embodies but also to the kindness and creativity thriving within the care home community.
With laughter, teamwork, and a touch of celebrity flair, the residents of The Cotswold Home have shown that even a scarecrow can bring people together — to celebrate, to give back, and to share a smile.
As one visitor put it, “It’s not every day you walk into a care home and meet Jeremy Clarkson — even if he’s made of straw.”
The Cotswold Home’s “Clarkson Scarecrow” can be viewed daily in the reception area. Visitors are welcome to bring food donations or join the raffle to support Turn2us and the local food bank.
