THE National Trust (NT) and partners are planning to plant blossom tree circles in cities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland – including the North East.
Designs are being drawn up for groves in Nottingham, Newcastle and Plymouth, with other sites to follow.
The Trust says its ambition is to create beautiful green spaces, adding that “local residents will be able to use the new blossom spaces as quiet spaces for reflection, peace and enjoyment”.
Director-general Hilary McGrady said: “With 83 per cent of people living in urban areas in England… we are going back to our founder’s roots with an ambition to bring nature to where it’s needed most”.
She added that the idea is that the blossom trees will reflect hope as the nation’s third coronavirus lockdown is slowly lifted.
Newcastle City Council is getting involved, and aiming to create areas which will reflect the unique characters of the city.
Councillor Clare Penny-Evans, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for Climate Change and Communities, said: “We are proud of the wonderful parks, green spaces and wildflower meadows… and we look forward to working with Urban Green Newcastle and The National Trust on this project”.
The Trust’s partners are People’s Postcode Lottery and Historic England.
The NT’s Blossom Programme manager, Annie Reilly, added: “We will be working hard to ensure each space is designed to deliver something special in line with the needs of the local community.”