Celebrate spring with #BlossomWatch day

Above: Enjoying the magic of cherry blossom at Cotehele in Cornwall. ⓒ Steven Haywood

The National Trust is urging people to use the longer warmer days of spring and come together on social media to share their pictures as part of the charity’s first ever nationwide #BlossomWatch Day. 

As restrictions ease and loved ones can finally start to meet outside, the conservation charity is urging people to use the easing of restrictions to share in one of nature’s most magnificent natural spectacles. 

The charity is asking people simply to meet loved ones or sit quietly alone by a blossoming tree, take notice and perhaps share images on social media. 

The recent topsy turvy weather – with plunging temperatures of up to minus five at night and some areas experiencing snowfall – has given this year’s blossom an uncertain start but it is expected to reach its peak in the coming days and weeks.    

With the current spell of warmer sunnier weather putting spring back on track, people are being asked to share pictures of blossom on social media on April 24 using the #BlossomWatch. 

And by tagging their location, an interactive digital map (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blossom-watch) will chart the progress of blossom across the country.  

Annie Reilly, Blossom Programme Manager at the National Trust says: “Our Blossom campaign has got off to a flying start with more than five and a half million views on social media. As the next step in emulating Japan’s Hanami – we want to encourage more people to fully immerse themselves in the joy of blossom as it reaches its peak. 

“There has been a lot of research into the connection between enjoying moments in nature and feelings of wellbeing[1], and with social distancing measures having eased slightly, meeting a handful of family or friends under a blossom tree could be the ideal way to lift spirits and re-connect with people. We want to embed this tradition for the future, and if ever there was a year to appreciate the joy and comfort of nature, surely 2021 is it. 

“What we’re proposing is a simple activity for all ages to enjoy – grandparents and grandchildren can finally meet up outdoors and make some new memories together to celebrate not only this time in nature’s calendar, but also the easing of lockdown restrictions.” 

Blossom season and the lifecycle it signifies is looked-for in many countries as a harbinger of nature’s progress and this year blossom season in Japan came early[2]. 

This year’s weather in the UK has affected the blossom, particularly for magnolias which have been affected by this spring’s low overnight temperatures. 

Simon Toomer, plant specialist at the National Trust said: “Magnolias were particularly affected, with their delicate petals experiencing frost damage[3], and therefore falling off trees early, due to the low overnight temperatures – highlighting the need to enjoy the fleeting beauty of the blossom season.   

“However, temperatures will undoubtedly rise over the next week or two and this will bring on the cherry blossom followed closely by apples, pears and other fruit in gardens and orchards. We will also see insect pollinators increasing in number to ensure those flowers develop into fruit for a bountiful harvest” 

As part of the #BlossomWatch campaign and the charity’s commitment to plant blossom trees in urban areas, 45 Members of Parliament have pledged to plant a tree in their constituency this coming autumn to bring the joy of blossom to more people. 

Here in the North West, National Trust gardeners are looking to the future and helping to create a new blossom display for Greater Manchester. The thrifty gardeners at National Trust Acorn Bank in Cumbria, and Quarry Bank in Cheshire, have donated over 1,000 cuttings from their orchards’ heritage apple trees to Ancoats-based The Kindling Trust. These cuttings could have been sent to the compost heap, but instead they will be grafted by staff and volunteers at The Kindling Trust to create a brand new orchard, just west of Greater Manchester. 

The team at the Kindling Trust set themselves the challenge of obtaining 12,000 fruit trees for the orchard – specifically heritage varieties native to the North of England – so when Quarry Bank’s gardener Nina Agnew heard about the project, she decided to help. 

“When we heard about the Kindling Trust’s plans to build a new orchard, it was perfect timing for us at Quarry Bank. Due to coronavirus we were running late with our annual pruning, which meant we could provide fresh material to help populate the new orchard whilst also reducing our own waste. It’s a brilliant opportunity to further conserve these local (and mostly rare) varieties of apple tree for generations to come.” 

Once established, these new apple trees will bring the joy of spring blossom to Manchester’s residents for many years. But if you want to get involved and to share images of any blossom in bloom this weekend, simply share images using #BlossomWatch.

For further information, inspiration and to donate towards the charity’s tree planting ambitions visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blossom-watch