Every spring the people of Japan celebrate Hanami, better known to English speakers as cherry blossom season.
Parks and gardens across the nation erupt into a riot of pink, with locals coming out to celebrate the 'transient beauty of flowers', while tourists visit the Land of the Rising Sun from all around the world to marvel at their splendour. But what exactly does that have to do with the North East of England?
The National Trust are hoping that its annual #BlossomWatch campaign, which is now in its second year, can become an annual cultural event similar to Hanami, and the North East is a big part of the plans. This year's campaign involves two North East locations, as well as digital sharing of images as blossom sweeps up the land and events and installations at National Trust places.
Blossom Watch will see the installation of a blossoming tree circle in Newcastle's Exhibition Park. Working in collaboration with Urban Green Newcastle and supported by Newcastle City Council, work started last October to allow the trees to establish in time for their first blossom in April 2022, and on Saturday April 23 there will be a formal launch at the park.
This blossom circle is part of the charity's ambition to create beautiful green spaces in and near urban areas across the country, in the hope of connecting more people to nature and creating spaces for hope and reflection as the UK looks forward from the Coronavirus pandemic. The project in Exhibition Park is part of a nationwide plan to plant four million blossoming trees across England, Wales and Northern Ireland by 2030.
The planting is a response to the North East seeing an 87 per cent drop in 'traditional orchards' since 1900. The loss has been caused by changing land use, particularly urban and suburban expansion, as well as deciduous woodland planting and 'improved grassland.'
John Deakin, Head of Trees and Woodland at the National Trust said: "Traditional orchards and the blossom they bring creates valuable early nectar sources for insects which are often foraging for scarce resources in the early spring. These native, historic varieties, together with other trees like blackthorn and hawthorn which also have amazing spring blossom, mature at a faster rate than other larger native species such as oak.
"They therefore provide an important bridge for insects that rely on their particular eco systems which is one of the reasons why planting more blossom trees is such a vital part of our ambitions."
Gibside, near Rowlands Gill in Gateshead, is also planning a host of events and activities to tie in with Blossom Watch, celebrating the trees and hedgerows that bloom across its landscape and walled gardens. Alongside 'blossom hammocks', there'll be 'blossom sit spots' with deck chairs and outdoor bean bags to encourage people to pause and relax among the blossom trees.
There's also a two-week blossom trail planned for local schools, while all visitors can make the most of blossom pod art sessions ran by community artists.
Mick Wilkes, General Manager at Gibside said: "We’re delighted to be involved in this great initiative. We know the past couple of years have been tough for many people, so to be able to offer a moment of joy with this blossom activity gives me and the team great pleasure."
