Blossom Together toolkit 2021

Planting and programming inspired by blossom season Who is this toolkit for?

03 Introduction This toolkit is for any group or to find out about Blossom Together organisation who wants to take part in Blossom Together. You will find in 12 Planning your project here advice and ideas for planting to help you decide what you want to do trees as well as engaging people and your community with blossom, 19 Designing your site for planting helping people to connect with nature for how to design your site if you are planting wherever they are. 27 Trees and planting guidance for how to plant trees Don’t have time to read the whole pack or only need to access a certain 36 Ideas for engaging people section? Use the quick links opposite. for how to engage your community

41 Marketing, communications and the #BlossomWatch campaign for how to take part in the campaign

48 Case studies for examples of other projects

54 FAQs, support and resources for more information

2 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Blossom Together is a multi-year national programme and campaign that’s all about embedding blossom season as a time in the year for us to celebrate and reflect, connect with nature, culture and each other.

3 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Blossom Together will:

• Create an annual programme in the spring that signals hope, renewal and thanks nationally. This will embed the blossom season in the cultural calendar, at National Trust places and beyond, enhancing visitor experiences, reaching new audiences and allowing people to engage in a seasonal celebration wherever they are.

• Establish beautiful public spaces, with and for communities, which foster more nature and culture closer to people, enabling nature connection whilst supporting local greenspace and woodland to flourish nationally. • Where and when appropriate, link Blossom planting and BlossomWatch to national and local commemoration of those who lost their lives to Covid-19 and pay tribute to those who gave so much in the fight against the pandemic.

• As well as providing beautiful, peaceful spaces for communities, the trees have a small but valuable conservation role to play as part of the Trust’s pledge to plant 20 million trees by 2030, helping combat climate change and improving habitat networks.

4 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 The best time to plant a ‘ ‘ tree was twenty years ago – the second-best time is now. Chinese proverb

5 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 The project has two How can my group or Who is this toolkit for? main components that organisation get involved? you could make happen The toolkit is for any group There will be lots of different ways to be interested in planting blossom in your community: part of Blossom Together both in terms trees and/or engaging people of planting and/or engagement, and on as part of Blossom Together. • The planting of blossom tree circles a sliding scale from the very light touch We hope any community group, and dispersed blossom planting on to the more involved. partner, local authority or National Trust place will find this toolkit National Trust land and in places useful and provide you with all you where people live. need to take part. • A cultural programme that happens There are a range of ways for groups to get involved, ranging each spring that plays out at National from if you have very little Trust places and partner sites, resource or budget to if you are digitally, in communities and on planning a more ambitious project. people’s doorstep nationally. See slide 12 to help you with your planning.

6 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 TheWhycaseblossom? forBlossomembeddingtrees have huge cultural significance and Glades amongst trees offer us natureenvironmentalinto importance, powerful, useful which is why blossom spaces that can ourand culturepeople’s connection bring people to it lies at the heart of together, helping us connect to nature Blossom Together. and each other. Woodlands play a crucial role in tackling climate change and achieving ‘net Trees provide homes and habitats zero’ carbon emissions. for wildlife. Blossom trees in particular are sources of nectar for insects and pollinators, and provide fruit and places to nest for Time in nature improves birds in winter. our wellbeing and makes us happier.

Trees are natural barriers, Trees absorb harmful helping to prevent pollution and emit flooding and offering us gasses that have shade and protection. proven to reduce stress levels in people.

Blossom tree by a footpath at 7 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire. ‘Trees are almost too good to be true: imagine inventing a machine that provides homes and food for wildlife, stores carbon, cleans our air and water, provides all sorts of useful products, improves our physical and mental health, and generally makes life more enjoyable! We’re committed to establishing 20 million trees by 2030 to benefit nature, climate and people.’ Luke Barley, Trees and Woodlands Specialist at the National Trust

‘Blossom has a biological function for the plant. The relationship between pollinators and plants that has led to the amazing structure that is a flower and why they’re all different.’ Simon Toomer, Plant Conservation Specialist at the National Trust

8 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Cultural significance Spring blossom has always been part of our culture and folklore, inspiring creativity, traditions and design over time.

From Wassailing, a symbol of ancient blessings to the cultural phenomena of Hanami in Japan, blossom globally has come to symbolise wellbeing, renewal, Blossom trees often exist through human design; to and hope. The Japanese Garden, create boundaries, for their Tatton Park fruits, or as a reminder of For hundreds of years, orchards have flourished in every corner Wassail bowls, Cotehele times gone by. of the countryside, often found For centuries, explorers on the grounds of monasteries. foraged across the world to After the dissolution of the bring back new plant species monasteries, orchards remained and this started to influence on the sites, and became part of design and fashions in the country garden. gardens and homes. We can still see Japanese gardens today including Orchards were not only those at National Trust places of beauty, but Kingston Lacy and Tatton places of work, often Park and see evidence of how bringing whole villages Eastern culture influenced and communities aesthetic and design. together throughout the seasons, particularly during harvest in autumn.

The Japanese Garden, Kingston Lacy Cherry Blossom print, Cragside

9 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 ‘Choosing to plant blossom trees opens up horticultural heritage, botanical and international themes for you to explore with your local community. It was the Japanese tradition of Sato Zakura or ‘village cherries’ which has led to the Hanami celebrations. There is potential to develop our own home-grown themes using, for example, heritage apple varieties local to your county, town, city or village. Another possibility is to highlight endangered species or cultivars. Involving your community in growing these trees themselves will promote skills and develop ownership.’

Simon Toomer – Plant Conservation Specialist, National Trust

10 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 What is blossom?

‘Blossom’ simply means flowers on a tree – typically conspicuous flowers that are noticeable when in bloom. One of the most recognisable signs of spring is when native species such as hawthorn, cherry and blackthorn form spectacular clouds of white or pink flower. Trees like hawthorn and crab apple typically form the lower layer of woodland. They can be found in hedges or fields and form a key reason why woodland glades, as well as hedges and trees outside woods, are so rich in life. Many other tree species also produce flowers. We wouldn’t typically think of the ‘blossom’ of oak, beech or hazel, because they don’t provide the same visual spectacle – although their flowers can be very beautiful on close inspection!

You can find out more about how to discover blossom species near you on the National Trust website.

11 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Planning your project

As with any project, however big Remember… 1. or small, it’s often useful to start 3. It’s important to plan for with what you want to achieve by and the ongoing care and establishing your aims, objectives maintenance of your trees and and vision for the project. site and ensure the cost of this is considered from the outset. This will set you on the right course See slide 35 to help you do this. from the outset and give you a set of measurable goals to aim for.

You could try and map out the Your project budget could 2. programme principles and 4. be sourced from different places. your local ambitions to help • You could look at seeking formulate your project plan, contributions from your council’s set your objectives and establish next steps. community funds, local nature charities or businesses that offer community grants. • Or could you look at online fundraising or community fundraising opportunities?

12 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Blossom Together is how we mark These might include: spring through planting, enjoying and reflecting together. • To collaborate with the local community or a particular group. • To celebrate the renewal of spring, •To green an area and beauty of trees throughout the year Project objectives improve biodiversity and give back to nature. Project scale • To engage people with nature. •To create a meaningful, beautiful List of stakeholders/ space for those who use it. partners • To improve access to green space for people with limited access. • To create a place to find peace, Your key audience/ reflect and connect with nature. community • To create opportunities for nature connection and improve wellbeing. • To care for and maintain the trees Potential sites and the places they are planted. to explore • To create a space with impact or a space that will develop over time. • To connect and collaborate with others. • To celebrate the city/town/place and what’s special about it. • To remember those who died in the pandemic and reflect on this time.

13 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 How could you build in participation from the outset? Working together Could you consult the local communities in site selection, setting the tone of the space, planning how it will be Blossom Together is all about putting used, choosing trees or designing the site. people at the heart of what you do and working collaboratively with others. Which partners will help you achieve your objectives? These might include community partners, artists, influencers, gardening groups, local businesses councils, schools, heritage or conservation organisations.

How could volunteers support your project? Perhaps they could help plant the trees, plan activities for local people to enjoy or support with the ongoing care and maintenance of the site.

Which specialists, suppliers or consultants might you need to involve? You might decide your project requires a landscape architect, a community engagement consultant or a project manager if you are planning a more ambitious project.

Who do you need to consult? You will need to think about securing permissions and consulting with the landowner, site manager, tenants, residents or council. Could you create a map of your Artist sketch of community responses and ideas for London Blossom Garden key stakeholders? You may also need to think about planning permission.

14 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Different scales of planting project Blossom Together includes any activity that is carried out in the spirit of the programme’s principles (see slide 13). The scale of project you decide to do will depend on your ambition, resource and budget.

The National Trust has ambitions to address unequal access to green space which is why many of the larger scale projects we’re involved in will happen in urban areas.

15 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Full blooms Early buds Green shoots Larger, high-profile projects with Medium, projects with significant These schemes will be the national visibility and local resonance. regional impact and local resonance. most informal but will still have significant local profile and meaning.

For an example see the For an example see the For an example see London case study Nottingham case study Ham House case study

• Planting more mature trees • Medium, projects with significant • Design might be as simple as planting to ensure immediate impact. regional impact and local resonance. flowering trees to create a glade as • Likely to appear in high-profile • Planting semi-mature trees to suit the part of broader woodland planting, or a urban/city-centre locations. site and meet the project objectives. small tree formation in a village square. • Involve hard-landscaping to create • Likely to appear in urban locations • Some may involve the installation of a sustainable, usable space for paths or other landscaping, but many large numbers of people who may • Involve engagement and community will not. consultation/participation. travel to visit. • Will involve community consultation • Involve significant engagement and • Potentially involve some hard and/or be led by the community. landscaping of the site. community consultation/programming. • Projects will happen on National Trust • Working in partnership with the • Working in collaboration with the land or elsewhere but won’t necessarily National Trust who will contribute skills, National Trust but led by the City require a formal partnership with NT. expertise and budget to the project. Council/landowner. Project timeline Technical design and High This suggested timeline highlights the different Community costing stages that many projects will follow and is a sign-off Prepare documents for tool for you to use to help plan your project. implementation

Prepare site Design brief Develop Undertake and set budget designs landcaping What funding is available? Assemble ? Site analysis Create planting Site ownership team Understand and site survey Initial ideas Planting event community Inspiration from • Consider health needs internet/magazines, and safety and How will the Consider species risk assessment space be used? and planting style Consider seating Select a site and accessibility. Establish What space

level project is available? objectives Understand Plant and build

Community Complexity Map key Assemble consultation project team stakeholders On-going Order trees Ongoing Who needs What skills throughout Aim for planting maintenance consulting? are needed? ideas and in autumn Allow for design process replacement and winter trees

Evaluation throughout all elements (measure impact, get feedback, share lessons, make changes) Lo w

17 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Evaluation As with any project it’s helpful to build in evaluation from the beginning. Setting your objectives and measures of success at the beginning of the project will help you to collect relevant data and demonstrate what you’ve achieved. Here are some things you could think about:

Collecting data Learning as you go Reporting and sharing

Quantitative data you may want to capture: • It’s important to step back from time to Your partners, funders and stakeholders time and reflect throughout the process will be interested in what you’ve achieved • Number of trees and plants and to see if you’re on course to achieve with your project. Also sharing lessons environmental impact your objectives and if you’re not, help learned and recommendations could • Improvements made to space identify changes you can make along help inform future projects. • How many people were involved and how the way. were they involved? You can present your evaluation in many • Gathering feedback throughout the • How many people use the space and how ways including: are they using it? project will keep you switched on to the needs of your audiences and • Who has been involved? (demographic and • Reports communities. information about participants) • Infographics • How many partners have you worked with? • You could do this by sharing updates of • Films and photos What was their involvement? the site design as it develops, holding • Case studies • Digital engagement – how many people votes on which trees or which site to connected online or through choose, community workshops or just We’d love to hear how you get on! Share social media? having a chat with some of your key your evaluation and feedback through stakeholders to capture their thoughts. [email protected] Qualitative data you may want to capture: so we can develop and improve the • Feedback and ideas from community programme year on year. engagement and participants • Feedback from partners, suppliers and volunteers involved • Feedback from people using the space • Project wash-up meetings • Digital engagement – how have people engaged online / what has the response been?

18 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Designing your site for planting Things to consider There are lots of things to consider when choosing your ideal site for planting. Here are when choosing a site some considerations to help inform your thinking.

Visual impact People factors

• Think about what makes your town, city, • Think about the community this is for. village or place special. How could a blossom You could go for a site which you know has profile and site enhance an area, special spot or feature? footfall or something more accessible for communities • Think about how a blossom site could draw with limited access to green space. Or is this for a people to an underused space or replenish an particular group – residents of a care home or a hospital area that needs development. for example? • Think about where the need might be the • Think about how the site will be used and managed greatest and where blossom could make a real, over time and which location will ensure it continues to be everyday difference for people. meaningful for people into the future. • Remember the weather! A place might look • Think about nearby facilities and accessibility. Would and feel very different throughout the year and you need to create a walkway if for example the site is flooding is something to consider over the winter. steep? Are there toilets, play areas, cafes and travel routes to the site that could increase appeal for local people? • Consider where will be accessible and beautiful at any point in the year. • Could the community help decide which site to choose?

20 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Things to consider when choosing a site cont.

Environmental factors Don’t worry! • Think about areas that need greening or improved biodiversity. Are there particular areas with limited • There are a lot of factors to consider green space? Could your project enhance existing and not every site will ‘tick all the boxes’. planting and conservation schemes already happening? • Could you find out what other planting • Could the blossom trees form part of a woodland or development is planned for your area creation project? Blossom trees play a crucial role to see how your project fits in to the drawing pollinators into woodland areas. bigger picture? • Could they be planted on the fringe of other trees • Could you create two to three sites or or could there be a blossom glade planted alongside disperse planting instead? other trees? • Sometimes a smaller planting can have • Be mindful of the biodiversity of your proposed site as much meaning for people as a larger and whether trees would improve or detract from intervention. biodiversity. • Revisit your objectives to help you think • Consider if planning permission is required. through what sort of site would help you best achieve what you set out to do.

21 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 First steps The ideal design will: • Check if planning permission is required and secure it if so • Connect with the community, partners and stakeholders Create attractive features that will benefit nature (see slide 12) • Carry out a Site Analysis of possible sites Be informed and shaped by your community • Conduct or locate a Topographical and Utilities Survey to uncover what utilities (pipes, wires etc.) run through the Be sensitive to the context (people/ site. This can then inform your risk assessment aesthetics/function/use) • Consider the Health and Safety implications of the project during planting stage and future maintenance, and draw Provide year-round interest up a risk assessment (for larger schemes CDM can be undertaken by a Landscape Architect)

Be accessible to all • Consider how the site will be maintained and cared for over time (by who, and cost). The first year is important for establishment of planting and will often be the most intense Fulfil a clear purpose for maintenance. • Have a look at slide 17 for a suggested timeline of key steps to help build your project plan

CDM means Construction Design and Management regulations 2015 which are necessary to refer to when there is hard landscaping involved in your project. Landscape Architects will be used to using these.

The Lynn Garden at See hse.gov.uk for more information. Ascott, Buckinghamshire

22 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Site analysis

Once you’ve chosen or shortlisted your site you can start These details will help inform what to think about the design and how to tailor it to the site. the site can offer and highlight any Some information that would be useful to capture includes: constraints or limitations. Location and aspect If the site is regularly waterlogged, for instance, it will be important to choose Slopes tree species that can tolerate this. Similarly if surrounding mature trees cast Size and shape high levels of shade it would be better not to plant light-demanding species. Soil type and structure Site information will also present opportunities for your design. Well- Drainage and water situation drained, thin soils might mean less of (including flood risk) a need for hard landscaping, while rich soils and low levels of shade mean a Existing use wider choice of tree species will thrive.

Ownership

Accessibility

The presence of any services (such as pipes and cables), either underground or overhead

23 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Steps to practically You may wish to use some of your budget to employ a Landscape implementing your ideas Architect to design your site.

Design intent Layout Planting choices Informed by the Site Analysis and See slide 26 for planting layout ideas. See slide 29 for things to think about community engagement, consider what Think about the layout of the space as when choosing your trees. you would like your space to achieve and a whole and how people will physically Also consider other plants and shrubs articulate this in a clear statement that experience it. Would the blossom be that could form part of the borders and you can keep coming back to. It can be at eye height, or towering above your beds and how these would look and feel helpful to frame this around Audience, head? Do you squeeze through a gap throughout the seasons. Be informed Function, Experience to access a larger space, or is the space by your Site Analysis when making your immediately obvious? These decisions planting choices. can be informed by the Design Intent.

Soft landscaping Hard landscaping This is how the space is shaped through Your community engagement, project gardening. Always use peat-free objectives and Site Analysis might compost in your beds. The amount of reveal a need for hard landscaping. weeding will be reduced by planting at Paths, ponds, seating areas and other 9-16 plants/m2 and covering planting built features should be constructed areas with 50-75mm of ornamental from quality materials, suitable for bark mulch. Irrigation may be required the context and make the space more in summer months and during first year accessible and useable. You may need of establishment. planning permission for this.

24 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Steps to practically implementing your ideas cont.

Trinkets and mementos Interpretation and Seating and other People often want to leave ribbons, signage furniture locks, gifts and notes in commemorative Interpretation and signage can help Designing seating or places to dwell may public spaces and to adorn trees. people to find and navigate the space, be something desired from the space by Whether you decide to encourage invite people to use it and understand the community and help to set the tone this or not through the design and how it came to be. You may want to of how it could be used. Larger benches interpretation of the site will depend encourage people in gentle, positive or picnic areas are ideal for groups, on the policy of the landowner. An ways to take their litter with them, care whereas individual seats may provide alternative might be to encourage for the site and connect with what’s places for contemplation. Seating also people to share their memories and around them. Remember interpretation provides an important rest stop for dedications digitally. and engagement can also be digital. those who need it.

Lighting Vandalism and care Larger scale schemes might include Vandalism can be limited to some additional lighting as a feature, or extent through the materials, site enable night events. Care should be design and how you protect the trees. taken to ensure that lighting doesn’t Providing litter bins and information create unnecessary light pollution. about how people can care for the space in simple ways and emphasising the commemorative and community purpose of the space could help.

25 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Ideas for planting layouts

The layout of the trees planted will depend on your design intent. You may wish to create a place for people to come together or a place for people to feel immersed in the trees. The site itself may determine the shape of the design you are able to create. Here are some sketches of possible layouts for inspiration.

Avenue Cluster

Circle Single tree

26 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Trees and planting guidance

Tips for choosing, planting and maintaining your trees

27 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Choosing your trees Blossom lies at the heart of this project, so it’s important that most of the trees in your design produce flowers. There are a 1. Native and common species huge variety of flowering trees available but a few key native and common species include:

Cherry Elder Apple Rowan

Blackthorn Hawthorn Pear Plum

28 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Choosing your trees This will inform your choice of trees. 2. Site Analysis and It’s important to work with a gardener or ranger through this process. Design Intent Here are some other things to consider:

Size at planting Eventual size and spread Form and shape Bigger trees achieve more immediate Think about how closely you want to It’s possible to choose the form even impact but can be more difficult to plant the trees together. Dense planting of native trees. Trees with a thin form establish and need more involved care creates more immediate impact but (known as ‘fastigiate’) can be planted initially. Woodland trees are usually might need more management as they more closely together, while those that planted as one or two-year-old ‘whips’ grow to stop them overwhelming each will eventually develop broad crowns of less than a metre in height, but may other. Otherwise, space the trees out need spacing out. The tree nursery you not flower for a few years. You may so they have room to flourish without purchase from will be able to advise. choose to plant a range of sizes. intervention.

Cost Number Cost will vary in line with size and The size of site will largely determine the species. Whips start from less than design of the scheme and the number £1 per tree, with the price of large of trees you can plant. A selection of ornamentals rising to more than £1,000. species or varieties could also be used to create height and structure, for instance by ‘underplanting’ taller trees with flowering shrub species. You may decide to plant a single symbolic tree.

29 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Choosing your trees 2. Site Analysis and Design Intent Cont.

Species and variety Visual appeal Fruit Using one species may lead to less Think about whether you want to focus Fruit trees can engage people with resilience to future threats or changes on a great display of spring blossom or foraging or harvest in autumn. Even in the environment. A mix of species maintain interest throughout the year. berries that are inedible for humans can can be more difficult to design but with Some trees have been bred to form provide visual interest and attract birds. thought, could help to create visual double-flowers. These trees, however, Conversely, fallen fruit can be messy if impact throughout the seasons. don’t provide the same food source for not gathered and it’s possible to buy insects as single-flowering varieties. flowering trees that don’t fruit.

Provenance Biodiversity Plant pests and diseases are some of Native trees are typically (although not the biggest threats to our trees and exclusively) better for nature but may woodlands. It’s essential that all trees not achieve the same visual impact as are sourced from responsible nurseries ornamental varieties. who can guarantee the appropriate biosecurity measures are in place.

30 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Choosing your trees 3. Ordering and biosecurity

How to place an order Biosecurity

Tree nurseries are the best place to start looking for your trees. Pests and diseases are a huge threat to our trees and woodland, so it’s very important that we don’t risk importing them or moving them Plan well in advance: nursery stock will often be reserved by the around the country. autumn. Order by the summer for planting the following winter. Responsible nurseries have strict measures in place to ensure they Know your preferred species and varieties: different nurseries don’t spread pathogens or insect pests, which is why we recommend specialise in different types of trees. the use of reputable suppliers like those on the Woodland Trust list. Ornamental varieties: Specialist nurseries will have the most If you choose to use another nursery, ask questions to ensure they choice and the best advice. have robust biosecurity procedures in place, and look out for Whips: These are more likely to be the best choice for smaller quality schemes. specimens of native species, or where you’re planting blossom as part of a wider woodland. We strongly recommend using nurseries in the Woodland Trust UK Sourced and Grown scheme to ensure the trees are grown responsibly.

Fruit trees: If you’d like to plant historic or local varieties you’ll need to find a specialist grower. Local community groups and individuals may feel passionately about this and be able to support and inspire.

31 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Planting your tree 1. Timings

The best time to plant trees is during winter when the trees are ‘dormant’. The best planting window is usually late November – March. Small ‘whips’ are typically sold with bare roots and it’s essential to plant these in the winter. It’s possible to plant some container-grown bigger trees throughout the year if they’re grown and transported in pots or other containers (with their roots surrounded by soil), but the chances of successful establishment are still greater if they’re planted while dormant.

It’s really important to find peat-free compost to ensure that natural peatlands that perform a vital role in absorbing CO2 emissions are not disturbed or reduced. Arrange delivery close to the planting date and look after your trees carefully in the meantime. Ensure the roots don’t dry out. Handle trees with great care during planting. Check there’s nothing underground such as pipes or cables. Obtain site plans and get a trained operator to use a Cable Avoidance Tool.

32 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Planting your tree Metal tree guard, Longshaw Burbage 2. Protection and support

Most trees will need some support and protection after planting. Whips are planted with a spiral guard and cane to protect from small mammals and to support the young tree. They can also help locate and protect the tree during weeding. It is possible to plant whips without protection with weed control (such as a mulch mat) and where there is little risk posed by small Ranger planting trees at Kingston Lacy mammals. Biodegradable spirals and cardboard tree tubes are readily available and should be used in favour of plastic.

Larger trees will need staking. It is important to check and maintain any support, and to remove it as soon as the tree is established. If rabbit pressure is high, larger trees should still be fitted with a spiral guard. If vandalism could be an issue trees might need a metal guard. In any location where larger animals are (or may be) present, such as deer, more substantial guards will be needed that reach above the height that the animals can browse. It is preferable to fence the entire area to avoid the need for individual guards. Wood or metal ‘cages’ will be needed for larger trees, at greater cost. Where can I buy tree protection? Most nurseries will sell basic protection relevant to their tree stock. However, it might be necessary to shop elsewhere to get sustainable materials. We recommend that you use biodegradable or reusable tree guards.

33 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Planting your tree 3. What to do if it’s a single tree

If you don’t have space for a blossom circle or group of trees, a single tree can be part of Blossom Together and offer the benefits that trees provide. When it comes to carbon sequestration and wildlife, every tree counts, and a single flowering tree will provide a beautiful spectacle in a garden or small public space. Many of the same principles in the ‘Designing your site’ and ‘Trees and Planting’ sections still apply. You’ll need to consider the size, aspect and other details of your location and choose a tree that suits in terms of its eventual size, soil type, and other factors. Many fruit trees are grown on ‘dwarfing’ rootstocks that mean they won’t grow more than two or three metres high, so it’s possible to find a suitable blossom tree for many smaller spaces. Think about what will bring you the most pleasure: an ornamental variety that produces lots of big flowers, a native variety that attracts wildlife, or a fruit tree you can harvest each year – or a balance of all three!

Even if you’re planting a single tree in your garden, it’s still important that you choose a nursery that can guarantee good biosecurity measures, as well as providing quality stock and good advice.

Tree planting at Lodge Park, Gloucestershire

34 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Looking after your trees

Good aftercare is essential to successfully establish trees, and it should be planned in from the start of your project. Weed control: you must avoid the risk of the new trees being out competed by grass or weeds. Mulch mats are a very effective intervention at planting. Watering: trees need a good drench weekly as opposed to little and often, during their first summer. Particularly with increased dry spells due to climate change. Stakes and fastenings: check and adjust at least annually, and remove as soon as the tree’s root system is successfully established. Volunteer pruning a tree in the garden at Rainham Hall, London Pruning: young trees may also need to be pruned to ensure they develop an attractive shape and to prevent future problems associated with poor form. Further resources can be found here: Trees: pruning / RHS Gardening and arboriculturists and gardeners can also help.

Liability and ongoing care once trees are established Plan for this as part of the overall liability or maintenance plan for the site from the outset, clarifying who will be responsible for doing what. This might include further pruning, ongoing weeding, grass cutting, path maintenance and other access infrastructure. Involving volunteer gardeners of Friends of groups might be a great way to manage this. Gardening in the walled garden, Ham House, London

35 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Ideas for engaging people

36 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Cultural programming inspiration

The following slides include some inspiration and ideas on how to engage people in your projects, through programming around your orchards and blossom trees, digital engagement and planting. It’s for you to decide how to engage people in a way that works best for your place and community. These pages offer a number of ideas that you can draw on, but your communities could also help shape your plans through their creativity and participation. Think about how blossom as a theme and blossom activities could be woven through the cultural and community calendar of your place, enhancing and complementing existing plans.

Remember your project could be wholly about engaging people with blossom trees and orchards that are already there. Programming through Covid The situation in relation to the pandemic is constantly changing. Are there creative ways you could We’d encourage partners to closely follow Government guidelines build fundraising opportunities in and prioritise safety above anything else. This may constrain what to your programming? you are able to do at different points of the year but we’d encourage you to consider how 2021 could offer opportunities for planning ahead, building awareness and starting conversations about blossom and what it means to your community.

37 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Blossom season Light touch programming ideas

There are key national moments this spring, and nationwide campaigns you can link to digitally: • On the fourth weekend of April (24 April and 25 April) we will collectively celebrate blossom by encouraging people to take and share images of blossom near to them using #BlossomWatch. • Downloadable blossom resources that encourage nature connection and mindfulness will be available on the National Trust website at the end of April. • Place a simple chalk board next to a blossom tree or orchard with, ‘Blossom live! Share your experience through #BlossomWatch’, or encourage people to walk mindfully through the blossom trees noticing signs of spring all around.

38 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Ideas if you have more resource

Use prompts to foster Think about nature connection by creating encouraging people blossom to notice the signs of walks, trails or Could you design some spring, to smell the forest bathing. creative activities such as blossom and listen poetry trees with haiku to the birds. poems, craft activities like origami blossom flowers or blossom trails? By engaging people in the beauty of the blossom season you can also start to talk about Could you share pictures tree planting and the of objects, art, places importance of blossom and collections inspired trees for pollinators, by blossom and start a nature and to help tackle conversation through climate change. social media about what blossom means to people in your community?

39 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Programming throughout From wassailing in January to The beauty of fruit trees the year autumn harvest and winter is that there is plenty of opportunity to engage with planting, blossom trees offer lots communities through the year of opportunities for engaging such as a wassail in January people and encouraging nature with music, song and a chance connection throughout the year. to explore local customs and traditions.

Safely managed community consultation on your plans could form part of your engagement approach over the summer and autumn followed by community Autumn presents a planting in the winter. wonderful opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate heritage crafts, juicing, tasting and fun with apple days and fruit harvests.

40 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Marketing and communications Including the #BlossomWatch campaign

41 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Campaign overview

The National Trust is launching a multi-year programme to get the UK celebrating its blossom season. Japan’s blossom season is world-famous and hanami is a traditional custom celebrated annually, bringing all generations outdoors, boosting tourism and helping people connect with nature. The UK has a spectacular blossom season of its own. We aim to embed an annual celebration inspired by Hanami– driven this year via #BlossomWatch, a national and local media campaign to engage the public at National Trust places, on high streets and on people’s doorsteps. The media campaign will amplify the local programming and engagement based on tree-planting, nature connection and community engagement. This will happen at National Trust properties and in towns and cities, where we are working with partners to create new blossoming community spaces.

We believe 2021 will bring the most longed-for spring in living memory and it is the right time to introduce a new tradition, helping people feel connected to nature, wherever they are.

42 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Campaign overview

From mid-March through to May the National How can this benefit Trust will be encouraging people to connect with nature, experience blossom and notice your project? the signs of spring. • The blossom campaign could be a great way to start discussions with your community about tree We know that nature connection and access to planting, climate change and to understand what green space has been more important than ever nature connection and blossom means to them for our wellbeing over the past year and we will • It could be a way to kick-start community be running a public engagement campaign, consultation about possible locations for new sites #BlossomWatch to enable nature connection • It’s a way to engage people with other blossoming nationally. trees across your town or city, to highlight the value and beauty of the nature on people’s doorsteps We will encourage people nationally to share images of blossom on social media as it arrives and moves across the country, and as Things to think about: different species come into blossom. We’ve • How might blossom form part of a broader launched a National Blossom Map where pins will campaign, cultural programme or existing denote images that have been tagged with the activity you’re planning? #BlossomWatch hashtag, tracking the wave of • How could this be woven into your existing blossom as it sweeps the country. comms plan to enhance and amplify what you’re already planning? The campaign will culminate on the 24 • How can you use the campaign to reach new and April when we hope to get #BlossomWatch more diverse audiences and communities with trending nationally, with people across the limited access to green space? country taking their moment under a blossom tree.

43 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Marketing and communications timeline

#BlossomWatch 10 May (tbc) press release London Blossom Announcing 2021 Garden launch w/c 19 April plans – look out 20 March Key stakeholders #BlossomWatch for blossom this AHRC nature to attend the teased in preparation opening of our spring poem is published for 24 April first blossom circle.

March April May

29 March Fundraising TV ad 12 March goes live, encouraging Supported #BlossomWatch donations of £5 to 24 April through our campaign is launched plant a tree #BlossomWatch partners on TV and across press national moment Encouraging the nation to connect with nature wherever they are, sharing blossom via #BlossomWatch

44 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 The blossom map How to join in The date for your diary We will also have a blossom map where geo- On the fourth Saturday of April (24 April) tagged blossom images shared via Twitter will we will collectively celebrate blossom across If you’d like to get be pinned on the map so we can track the social media, web and email encouraging emergence of blossom across the country. people to experience blossom wherever involved with the they are, outside or digitally and take and share their images of blossom using campaign the simplest #BlossomWatch. If you would like to join way is to share images of in on this day you can share your own experience of connecting with blossom and blossom in your local area sharing using the #BlossomWatch hashtag. using #BlossomWatch.

The hashtag We’d encourage you to use #BlossomWatch as much as possible to help the hashtag gain momentum and engage more people with the programme and nature. The fundraising ask We will be asking people to donate £5 to plant a tree as part our national campaign, which will go towards our wider tree planting projects. Partners will be able to fundraise in support of their own projects should they wish to do so.

45 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 How to join in Here are some ideas for how you could get involved on social media. Copy and paste into through social media your post or feel free to make this your own!

Use #BlossomWatch and @nationaltrust to share We’re joining @nationaltrust photos of blossom that you or someone from your today to celebrate all things spring organisation has taken on their local walks. How with #BlossomWatch. Take part blossom makes you feel is a personal experience, by sharing blossom photos and so we’d love to see you bring that to your social spread the joy of spring from your I joined #BlossomWatch media content. local area. Here’s one we took on with @nationaltrust today If you’re on Instagram stories you can use our walk this morning. to get some fresh air @nationaltrust GIFS /Stickers by searching and feel closer to nature. ‘nationaltrust’ or ‘national trust’ when prompted Spring is a great time to in the app. Good morning from a bright get outside and making a and sunny London. I’m joining You can also tag us @nationaltrust in your stories. trip of blossom spotting #BlossomWatch today with kept us all entertained. @nationaltrust. Looking forward Here’s our favourite pics. to seeing everyone’s photos.

Pink blooms are a cause for celebration – it means spring has arrived. Share your blossom photos with @nationaltrust for their annual spring #BlossomWatch today. Here’s a blossom tree I spotted on my local walk.

Spring is here! I can’t stop looking at it. How pretty is this blossom tree I spotted on my local walk. Of all the seasons spring gives me the biggest lift. #BlossomWatch @nationaltrust

46 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Imagery

When choosing images consider visuals that capture the beauty of blossom. In the National Trust’s advertising campaign this year we’re trying to show the contrast between blossom trees and the human-made/urban environments in which they sometime flower. User generated content is at the heart of #BlossomWatch, and we’d love to see your own blossom images in your local area. However, we do have a gallery that has been curated if you need any imagery to use. Note: You will need to register for access to use these images using the link below:

nationaltrustimages.org.uk

47 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Case studies

48 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 CASE STUDY London Aims 1. Create dedicated places for reflection, How was the garden designed? and programmable spaces. Blossom 2. Provide a link to broader tree planting work, Landscape architects The Edible Bus Stop and to increase the number of flowering trees in Davies White Landscape Architects designed Garden and near major cities the site. The design consists of 33 blossoming trees representing the 33 London boroughs and 3. Create experiences that help people recover and heal and that increase their everyday are arranged in three circles. The landscape connection with nature and the seasons architects have considered how local people Urban ‘Full Bloom’ project already use the site, making sure it is easily accessible and that there are plenty of spaces for Why are we planting blossom trees? picnics and spending time together. They have chosen UK-grown trees, including species of Last summer, a report published by Vivid cherry, plum, hawthorn and crab apple, to blend Economics highlighted national inequalities with the existing habitat. in access to green space. It categorised 295 deprived neighbourhoods of 440,000 people as Lockdown and the coronavirus crisis brought ‘grey deserts’, with no trees or accessible green home the value of nature, especially nature near space. As blossom season rolls around again, to people. We also became increasingly aware of the National Trust are working with partners on inequality of access to high-quality green space. our own land and in urban communities to plant It feels fitting to mark this difficult time by circles of blossoming trees. The first of these is creating small corners of the kind of world we the London Blossom Garden. want to live in – green spaces where people can choose to come together or be alone, or find Working with the local community space to just be. From the outset the project team were keen to put the community at the heart of the project. How does this project link to Rosetta Arts, a community arts organisation, the NT tree planting work? ran workshops to identify what members of the As well as providing beautiful, peaceful spaces local community wanted from their new space. for communities to come together and spend ‘Personal stories inform the tone of the design, time in nature, the trees have a small but In a nutshell how they would like to use the space and how valuable conservation role to play as part of the The National Trust, the GLA and the it should grow and develop over time,’ says Trust’s pledge to plant 20 million trees by 2030, Mayor of London, will together plant a Sylvia Morgado, Rosetta Arts lead artist, whose helping combat climate change and improving symbolic blossoming tree circle at the work focuses on art and wellbeing. The current habitat networks. The long-term process of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to be situation has been a powerful reminder of how trees capturing and storing atmospheric carbon unveiled in April 2021. This will launch the connected we all are and how much we depend dioxide in the soil is called carbon sequestration. ‘Blossom Together’ programme this year. on each other. What’s important is that local We calculate that at their peak 20 million trees communities have the real ownership of their will sequester approximately 360,000 tonnes of sites, so they make use of them and protect them. carbon per year.

49 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 CASE STUDY Nottingham Aims City Council 1. Work in partnership to deliver our ambition for the City of Nottingham to plant more trees 2. Provide a place for local residents to reflect upon nature and relax. 3. Get people involved in park, greenspace and tree maintenance A tale of first steps – an early bud project How we got involved in Blossom Together Our hopes We enjoy working with partners to achieve tree We hope the space will be used by local residents In a nutshell planting objectives and when approached by to connect with nature, reflect upon the the National Trust we felt Blossom Together difficulties people have faced over the last 12 Nottingham City Council have was an inspiring project that would resonate months and to relax. Nottingham has suffered partnered with the National Trust to with our communities during a difficult time. because we have 2 prominent Universities which create an ‘Early bud’ blossom tree site. bring a lot of students and benefits to the City. How Blossom Together fits in to the wider ambitions of our City The restrictions faced due to Covid-19 has had We have ambitious plans to plant trees across an impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the City and we have a commitment to individuals. Often the only escape is to exercise protecting and expanding our green spaces and go for a walk. We feel this project will and to ensure people are engaged with the enhance the landscape and beautify it. environment. We plan to be Carbon Neutral by 2028. Planting trees plays a crucial part in achieving this goal. We are liaising with partners to create Tiny Forests but it is great Partnering with the National Trust that this project will plant larger trees to have Working as part of a collaboration with the an impact from the offset. National Trust we have learned to work well Our process with external partners, negotiating in order to meet a desired goal. We felt doing this work We kick started this project with a meeting with in partnership provided the inspiration and Councillors, Stakeholders and partner groups to guidance required. The way this project has discuss our ideas and ask for input on the initial run has felt like a sustainable model for the designs. We have also created two new posts for future as the interaction can be replicated on a Volunteer and Tree Planting Co-Ordinator that multiple projects. will work with local communities across the City.

50 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 CASE STUDY Snowshill Manor, Aims Gloucestershire 1. Seasonal visitor programming. The orchard How we’re using the space is used for self-led trails and bookable events. Paths are cut to invite our visitors to wander The orchard experience 2. Telling a story. The orchard gardens help and enjoy this space, and benches are situated bring to life the story of Charles Wade. under the trees. ‘Green shoots’ project 3. Relevance to local community. The orchard has recently become part of a local Wild flowers are planted in the grass so the blossom trail. orchard is alive with bees and other insects, In a nutshell helping with pollination but also creating a beautiful atmosphere. Snowshill’s gardens were designed What we’re doing The orchard is key to our seasonal by Charles Wade, who lived in the programming. We hold creative workshops in Manor. There are two large The garden was designed to be an extension the orchard, for example. In 2019 we introduced orchard spaces used to enhance of the manor. Visitors spending time in it and a Mindfulness Meander trail which encouraged the property visitor experience. enjoying it in the way in which Charles Wade did, is an important part of our visitor offer, visitors to engage with their senses and nature. particularly now. The manor is a series of small The orchard became a focal point for this. rooms and as such makes managing visitor The orchards are full of some very old varieties flow easier, while ensuring an engaging and of fruit trees with extraordinary names and enjoyable visit, especially with Covid Safe histories. We have shared some of these stories guidelines in place. The orchard is an engaging, with our visitors using small slates which we beautiful space and has helped take the hang from the trees. pressure off the manor itself. Two years ago, as part of our programming, Becoming relevant to the local community we also introduced ‘art boxes’ to the garden. We have one on a seat in the orchard and To increase our repeat visits and encourage visitors are invited to open it and get creative – those from our local community to enjoy the some beautiful sketches have been produced peace and beauty of the garden more regularly and shared. and throughout the year, we recently joined the Blossom Trail, organised by our local council. The orchard has also provided the venue The trail encourages visitors to take in the for regular storytelling sessions for families beauty of the blossom through the Vale of during the holidays. Rugs are spread on the Evesham both on foot and on bike through well ground under the trees and this has proved marked routes and a downloadable map. a very popular place to relax and listen to some traditional tales, bring to life our We are also part of the Silent Spaces initiative, shared histories. setting aside areas for mindfulness and quiet reflection.

51 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 CASE STUDY Aims Brockhampton, 1. Conservation – the restoration and It also allows us to extend our visitor preservation of priority wildlife habitats programming season into the quieter months 2. Visitor experience – creating an area of the through blossom and harvest. The main Herefordshire ‘wider estate’ that is more accessible and design (see image left) will allow us to use the telling the story of apple trees in the UK space in for things such as a field kitchen for Reimagining orchards 3. Sustainability – increasing income through demonstrations and talks about fruit, wild ‘Green shoots’ project visitor numbers to ensure the future of the food, farm food and local food. estate and focus on making the most of the estate’s produce. What we’ve needed to consider • CMP & EMP (Conservation and Estate What we’re doing Management Plans) We are reinstating our orchards, based on • Spirit of Place document an artist’s design to capture the magic of this beautiful place and encourage visitors • 50-year vision for the estate out into the wider estate. We want to share • Experience Design Herefordshire’s history of productive • LON data including estate biosurveys In a nutshell orchard and how to manage them • Rarer trees or large quantities need to often sustainably. Developing these orchards be reserved with growers by late spring and Artist designed circular orchards to support would give us a starting point to have early summer reinstating 21 acres of priority habitat and to surfaced paths that can be used all year in • Some funders want trees to be bought, create something more unusual for visitors than all weather by all our visitors paid for and planted within a calendar year a ‘normal’ orchard of straight lines of trees. A large part of the project centres around • Future management. Who is responsible? building community links, creating more variety Will more equipment be needed if the Our costs in the visitor experience and supporting events landscape will change? • Artists/designers; for more that encourage inclusion and diversity. In one complex designs this will include of the fields the design is more traditional, rows Who we’ve needed to consult marking out plantings and new features of trees, but with circular clearings. We hope to • Consultancy and property staff and volunteers use these clearings for all sorts of programming • Contractors, paths, fencing, • Specialist Advice Network tree guards and tree planting activity, from simply encouraging people to sit or • Tenant farmer (confidential consultation) • Community liaison specialists stand and listen to wildlife around them to small performance venues or pieces of art inspired by • Community groups • The trees themselves – fruit trees range the estate. from about £7–£20 depending on size • Artists. Be clear what your artist is and isn’t bought and rarity. Ornamental trees responsible for. Getting good, clear final will be more than this drawings that are usable for all those involved • Interpretation boards, financial The value of orchard restoration as early as possible is advisable costs and time costs By focusing on restoring our historic orchards • Arts Council (funding bid) we are able to fulfil our LON (Land, Outdoors and • PIB (Property Investment Board Nature) objectives to increase priority habitat. 52 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 CASE STUDY Aims Ham House, as meadow, planted with early flowering Crocus 1. Capture the essence of the past – ancyrensis which provides a valuable food source reflect the spirit of the historic volume for early pollinators. Our research suggests Richmond of flowering trees blossoming fruit trees will survive better during 2. Reduce resource heavy perennial planting predicted climate changes. It is also possible to An orchard for our times 3. Introduce heritage produce from the sequest a lot of carbon over a more compact local area – using past records of fruit space through using small/medium sized trees. ‘Green shoots’ project grown on site Warmer, dryer summers mean our visitors 4. Plant for nature and to address the impact appreciate the increase in shady areas to sit that of global warming on our site. these trees provide. What we needed to consider What we did Size of trees – create an intimate atmosphere We wanted to create an area in keeping with and have trees that we could easily harvest from the existing aesthetic and atmosphere of the without ladders, we were recommended to buy kitchen garden that provided new spaces for MM106 rootstocks visitors to sit in and enjoy. Our goal was to Watering – we watered once a week from April– create as natural a space as possible that Sept for the first year. We would not expect to linked with our other highly diverse meadow be watering as much in year two. Direct watering areas. Providing shady spaces in spring and helps manage water use In a nutshell summer is increasingly necessary as we see Materials – to avoid plastic we made our own the climate change. tree ties using hessian and watering ‘pipes’ At Ham House Garden we are in the final stages Celebrating the past and responding using bamboo canes of re-cultivating our walled kitchen garden. we planted a new orchard of 32 local apple trees to the future Soil – we have sandy alluvial soil and bought in autumn 2019. We have chosen London and Surrey varieties, trees to suit some of which are heritage and match our Our costs records. We spoke with our local fruit tree What we have learned nursery and we took a research trip to RHS • We bought two to three-year- Wisley to identify our preferred tree species Visualise the space – how it will be used by old, bareroot trees that would and receive expert advice. visitors all year round? An orchard is both establish well and that already had a productive space and a ‘leisure area’. The some stature (£30-35 per tree) At the same time as we are trying to indicate planting spaces were not just about what the tree • Mycorrhizal to encourage good how spaces might have been used, we’re offering needed but about creating views and walkways our present day visitors areas to enjoy a beautiful establishment (£30) Think through your planting method before • Sawn green oak tree stakes from atmosphere. We have a commitment to plant for nature and to address the impact of global involving people – we developed a clear process a local sawmill (£280) to achieve a for each tree as a staff team and then involved naturalistic and more historic feel warming on our site. The areas between the apple tree planting holes are all being managed as many people as we could

53 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 How is the National Trust funding Blossom Together? FAQs and Some of Blossom Together will be led by the National Trust and we will aim to cover the cost of much of our planting and engagement activity through fundraising and working in partnership. We hope a resources lot of the planting and engagement activity will be led by partners and communities across the UK and beyond and we hope to support that work by providing guidance on how to get involved (such as this toolkit) and coordinating national moments that people everywhere can engage with(such as #BlossomWatch)

How many tree circles in the National Trust hoping to create? Useful links: Our plan for the coming year is to create a number of blossom Project for Public Spaces plantings nationally, some of which will be planted by the National Trust, and some planted by partners and community groups. ‘What Makes Great Places’ Longer-term we hope to see a flourishing of blossom tree planting in urban areas where people live, as well as more rural locations and Landscape Institute we will work with a network of partners to achieve this as well as providing guidance and inspiration, like this toolkit. Nature Recovery Network - Wildlife Trusts How can individuals get involved with Blossom Together? Society of Garden Designers If you are interested in leading a project in your area, use this toolkit for guidance and information on the different ways you CDM requirements could get involved, from planting to engaging people with the wonder of blossom. Updated Peat-Free Nurseries We are encouraging our partners and properties to ensure these spaces are for people, and are meaningful, useful and cared for into List – Dogwooddays the future. To achieve this in London, we worked with Rosetta Arts to involve the community in thinking through the tone, feel and use of the site. We’ll be creating various ways for people to get involved in blossom season, so that people can enjoy this extraordinary natural wonder, wherever they are.

54 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 We will build on the success of Can the National Trust fund our community goal, ornamental cherries (that were often #BlossomWatch which we first launched tree planting? developed in Japan) might be the best choice. at the end of March last year – just after We’ll also consider other flowering trees – like We currently don’t have funding to distribute lockdown – when over 4 million people magnolia or hazel. The important thing is that to community groups or the mechanism viewed imagery shared of blossom in the groups involved with schemes use the most to arrange trees to be planted where first two weeks of the project. The aim of appropriate species to meet their objectives communities ask for them. We are looking #BlossomWatch is to encourage more people and the environment of the chosen site. at ways we might make this possible in the to notice the blossom season. We’ll encourage future. In the meantime, we continue to everyone to take and share images of the encourage our partners in urban areas as blossom they see out of their windows, in Why is this project focusing on cherry well as National Trust properties to involve gardens and parks using #BlossomWatch and blossom trees when we have such a wealth their communities in their Blossom Together pin them on a digital map– in an effort to lift on native species? projects. We have also provided a range of people’s spirits at this special time of year. simple ideas ranging from the free to the The project has been inspired by the blossom more involved in this toolkit that you can use season in Japan however, we are looking to to take part in Blossom Together depending make it our own. Hopefully, this toolkit has How can artists and creative groups and on your resource, capacity and budget. Let us demonstrated that we are actively supporting societies get involved with the cultural know about your plans by emailing the planting of a wealth of species / varieties. aspect of Blossom Together? [email protected]. By necessity, our associated cultural We will keep your enquiry on record and keep programme this year is quite small-scale and you up to date with any future opportunities I have grown some trees myself that I would light touch but we do have aspirations to or updates. like to donate to this project. Can I do this? build on that in subsequent years. No – sadly at the moment we don’t have the capacity to accept trees as donations so Will the trees being planted in your blossom won’t be able to accommodate your proposed How can local councils, trusts and charities projects be all native trees? contribution. We’d encourage you to connect start a conversation on a tree planting No – the trees chosen for a circle or grove will with local groups and organisations to see if partnership with the National Trust? reflect the objectives of the scheme and the they might be interested in planting them. Please contact us through the inbox people involved. In some places the design is [email protected] and likely to focus on native blossom species such tell us a little about your thoughts and plans. as wild cherry, hawthorn and blackthorn, with I would like to volunteer to help plant the We’re very much at the beginning of Blossom naturalised fruit species like apple and pear trees that will form the blossom circles. Together and are actively looking for ways to also playing an important role. These trees How can I do this? involve more partners and collaborators and are likely to be hardier and will deliver greater hope that we’ll be able to work with more benefit for wildlife. In other schemes where We do not currently have a formal mechanism individuals and organisations as time goes by. creating a significant visual spectacle is the for recruiting volunteer tree planters but we are encouraging our partners and properties

55 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 to involve volunteers and their community green spaces in cities. The pandemic showed in their projects where and when it is us the importance of urban green spaces safe to do so. and this project is an extension of this work and will help us create havens for nature in cities to benefit both people and wildlife. The Will you be launching a specific fundraising project also goes back to our roots – with campaign to raise money to create blossom our founders wanting green spaces for more rings to meet demand? people in urban areas to enjoy. Our Plant a Tree campaign and other fundraising will help support Blossom Is there more that you can tell us about how Together and we hope to build on the Blossom Together programme started? our opportunities to fundraise as the programme develops. We know how many people have found a new appreciation for nature in light of in response to their experience of the Is the purpose of the blossom projects in coronavirus pandemic. major cities a commemorative space for During April to June 2020, 85% of adults Covid (like the one in London)? Or is it reported that being in nature makes them more about giving more people in urban happy and this was consistent across different areas access to nature? population groups. Those who had visited a How these sites look and feel and how they natural space in the last 7 days reported Visitor admiring the Damson trees in are used very much depends on what local being happier than those who hadn’t. blossom at Brockhampton, Herefordshire communities need and the environmental Also during the same period - some adults and physical requirements of the site. in England were getting outside more often Spaces might become a quiet space for than usual with 40% of adults reporting that commemoration and reflection or offer a they had spent more time outside since the communal space to come together once it coronavirus restrictions began and 31% were is safe to do so, to celebrate spring in the exercising more in outdoor spaces. years to come.

This project really goes back to our roots – How does Blossom Together fit in with the National Trust’s aims and ambitions? with our founders wanting green spaces for more people in urban areas to enjoy. And, by working in partnership with organisations and Before the coronavirus pandemic we had councils across the country we hope to bring nature to more people. already announced our plans to help protect

56 National Trust Blossom Together toolkit 2021 Special thanks to: Luke Barley, Lucy Footer, Ed Higgins, Annie Reilly, Simon Toomer, Beth Weston, Sophie Wardell and the Blossom project team

Photography: © National Trust Images/ Caroline Arber, Stephen Robson, Robert Morris, Justin Minns, James Dobson, William Shaw, John Millar, Chris Lacey, Zoe Frank, Trevor Ray Hart, John Miller, Andrew Butler, Alana Wright, Rob Stothard, John Malley, Rob Coleman, Tracey Blackwell, Cara Laver, Mel Peters, Hugh Mothersole, Val Corbett, Derrick E. Whitty, Paul Harris

Illustrations: page 14 © Ada Jusic, page 16, 26, 34 © Ed Higgins

© National Trust 2021 The National Trust is a registered charity no. 205846

If you have a suggestion or question, or require this information in an alternative format, please email [email protected]