‘Scarf-bombing’ on tree in Clapham Common park earlier in September
Clapham residents are confused as to why the same one tree in Clapham Common Park is covered in multiple patterned and coloured scarves in what locals are calling scarf-bombing.
Over the last few months in Clapham Common Park the same single tree has had a number of different scarves tied around it, which seem to get taken away and then more added. But why?
Clapham residents have a number of different interpretations, ranging from homage to Celtic ritual to simply a bohemian touch in a gentrifying area.
The scarves all differ from colour to material with what seems the latest addition as of the 11th of November being a Morrison’s supermarket branded scarf.
As of yet, no definite answer as to why has been discovered.
One Clapham resident, 52 year old Margaret Boocock said: “I don’t know, I like it, and from a design point of view it looks nice, but there is probably some deeper meaning.”
Other resident’s ideas completely contrast, with Anthony Wright, aged 41, saying: “There’s probably been a murder and it’s some sort of tribute or memorial.”
Residents have even gone as far to suggest it is a symbol for an old Celtic tradition ‘Cloughtie Wells’ where pieces of cloth are added to a tree as part of a healing ritual to make the tree a place of pilgrimage.
Local Alex Stephenson, 29, said: “This ritual seems the most likely reason to me.”
However, it seems the most obvious reason for the scarf-bombing could be as a donation for Clapham’s homeless people, with the borough of Lambeth’s homeless population reaching 3.7% per 1,000 households in 2014, which is just below the London average, according to Trust for London, poverty and inequality charity.
Thought to have started in Canada in 2014, the concept of scarf-bombing involves hand knitting or buying warm scarves and tying them up from railings, fences and as seen in this case tree branches so people in need of more warmth can take them for free as a donation, particularly useful in winter months.
Scarf-bombing has been endorsed by the Wrap Up group in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the US and subsequently the Wrap It Up project in Worcester, in the UK.
It seems now, the trend may have even spread to Clapham and may finally provide the answer to the mystery of the scarf tree.
Lambeth Council are yet to provide a statement as to whether it is they who are taking the scarves down or Clapham residents themselves.
