Decorated Hawthorn Tree on Albion Parade for IWD

International Women's Day Installation on Albion Parade N16

This old hawthorn tree on Albion Parade, has been decorated by 'yarnbombing' with a knitted (or crocheted?) sleeve as part of an installation for International Women's Day 2010. It is great to see IWD celebrated in this way, as the Newington Green area is associated with Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) who many people consider to be the mother of feminism.

This little group of elderly  hawthorns on Albion Parade are much-used by flocks of sparrows and starlings, both of which are Red Listed for conservation concern. Hawthorns also provide food for over 50 species of insects and are one of the best native trees for supporting our wildlife, so it is good to see the trees celebrated in this way.

Historically, hawthorns have been associated with the goddesses of spring and they are also known as May trees and 'Bread and Cheese' as the young leaves may be eaten and are one of the first green foods available after a long winter. The berries are also used for making jelly and wine.

Hawthorns  were commonly seen to symbolise fertility and reproduction, so they are a fitting vehicle to include in an art work for Women's Day. The Newington Green Action Group has planted a young hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, on Newington Green, in order to support biodiversity there.

Many legends are linked to hawthorns and they were considered to be a sacred tree and people believed that great misfortune would come to anyone who damaged or destroyed one.

'Thank you' to the Stoke Newington Women's Institute for sharing their creativity with us all.

7 March 2010