The glorious sights of spring blossom might be more prevalent in Japan, but The National Trust hopes to plant blossoming tree circles in cities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland as a 'symbol of reflection and hope'.
As part of the charity's blossom campaign, the team want to create more beautiful green spaces in urban areas for city-dwellers to enjoy. With previous research discovering that everyday connection to nature boosts our wellbeing, now is the perfect time to transform concrete jungles into havens for wildlife.
The Trust hopes that residents will use the blossom spaces as places for 'reflection, peace and enjoyment', as well as for events, social gatherings, workshops and festivals in the future.
© The National TrustPlans for what the blossom parks will look like in Nottingham
While there are many blossom sites in the pipeline, the first one will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Newham - the same borough as the temporary NHS Nightingale hospital in London. Created in partnership with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the site will be a commemorative space to reflect on the impact of Covid-19.
'This new public garden will create a lasting, living memorial to commemorate all those who have lost their lives in the pandemic,' says Sadiq Khan. 'It will be a tribute to the amazing ongoing work of our key workers and create a space for Londoners to contemplate and reflect on all this global pandemic has meant to our city and world.'
© National Trust Images Rob ColemanNational Trust launches #BlossomWatch to emulate Japan's Hanami
As well as this, another three blossom spaces are also planned for Newcastle, Nottingham and Plymouth. From cherry, plum, hawthorn and crab apple trees, we're certain the glorious blooms will bring a much-needed boost of colour to each city.
'Our vision is for nature, beauty and history for everyone. Our simple ambition with this project is to bring all of these elements together in the creation of green, nature-rich havens in the very heart of urban areas which are also beautiful and inspiring spaces that people can use,' says Hilary McGrady, Director General at the National Trust.
© The National TrustCherry blossom along a street in Nottingham in the proposed plan
'Our founder Octavia Hill recognised how everyone needs beautiful, open spaces, wherever they live. As we create more and more spaces we also want to embed annual blossom moments or celebrations in the nations' cultural calendar.'
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