Trust celebrates spring spectacle

NATURE lovers are being urged to join a national day to celebrate the “joy of blossom” and help boost their sense of well-being.

The National Trust has launched its first BlossomWatch Day today to encourage people to share their photos on social media of this year’s blossom as it blooms across the country.

The charity is creating an interactive map to chart the progress of the blossom by asking people to tag the location of their photos.

A National Trust spokeswoman said: “As restrictions ease and loved ones can finally start to meet outside, the conservation charity

If ever there was a year to appreciate the joy and comfort of nature, surely 2021 is it ANNIE REILLY

is urging people to use the easing of restrictions to share in one of nature’s most magnificent natural spectacles.

“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.”

The campaign, which launched in March, has already received more than 5.5 million views, with 32,000 posts on social media, including from celebrities Lauren Laverne, Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker.

Some 45 MPs have pledged to plant a tree in their constituency this coming autumn to bring more blossom to urban areas.

Annie Reilly, blossom programme manager at the National Trust, said: “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, 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 reconnect 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.”

For more details, visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/blossomwatch

Victoria Jones/PA > A woman poses for a photograph in an avenue of blossom trees in Greenwich Park, south London, ahead of BlossomWatch day today