Big Blooming Break: Peak expected soon
Wildlife experts are encouraging people to get outdoors to enjoy the Spring weather following research which finds that blossom can really boost our wellbeing.
Head gardeners at The National Trust are predicting a more ‘typical’ year for nature’s free mood-lifting spectacle.
It comes after recent YouGov poll results find that more than half of UK adults pay a lot of attention to seasonal changes (such as blossom or autumn colour). The results show how 94% of respondents feel happy when seeing blossom in bloom.
As such, the National Trust is encouraging the nation’s 33 million workers to ‘take time to experience the annual kaleidoscope of blossom’s stunning pink hues from the deepest magentas through to the most delicate pinks and whites.’
‘The joyful sight of blossom after such a grey, cold and stormy[4] start to the year is a real mood lifter. And it’s well known that spending time in nature can boost your wellbeing,’ says Annie Reilly, Blossom Programme Manager at the National Trust.
‘With the season only lasting a few weeks – it’s really important to enjoy it while we can.’
‘Our simple ask is for people to take a break to explore their streets or nearest green space for signs of blossom – and if they have nearby green spaces or parks close to where they work – maybe try sitting under blossoming trees to get a lift from nature.’
The new research reveals only 10% of UK workers spend breaks outdoors in nature – either for a walk or to sit among the trees. It found 80% of workers say they feel more positive after spending breaks outdoors.
New polling shows that blossom benefits people’s wellbeing. Image: Paul Harris / National Trust Images.
Big Blooming Break
The National Trust is launching its Big Blooming Break to encourage more people to enjoy their outdoor surroundings – and marvel at the magic of nature.
‘The majority of blossoming trees burst into flower before the leaves unfurl which is why it’s so noticeable and is what makes blossom one of nature’s most stunning displays – even more so after the grey and long winter we’ve experienced,’ says Pam Smith, National Gardens Consultant.
‘After the native blackthorn bursts forth, it’s the cherry plum which many will first experience bursting into bloom in our streets and parks.’
‘With blossom spreading across the country from the warmer southwest counties to the northern most tips of Scotland at a walking pace, we need to get outside to enjoy this special annual show.’
‘My top tip is to turn right instead of turning left when running errands, walking to work or taking children to school. By finding different routes you’re bound to experience different varieties of blossom too to brighten your day.’
Over the winter, Trust ranger and countryside teams have also been busy planting new blossom trees to create vital habitats to benefit wildlife and people in the future.
These include new traditional orchards at Killerton in Devon, creating a ‘lost’ orchard at Lytes Cary in Somerset and planting more than 4,000 blossoming trees to help create new hedgerows in the north and west Lakes.
Big Blooming Break: Taking an all-important break during the day. Image: Paul Harris / National Trust Images.
‘Orchards, particularly those that are aging and less managed for fruit production are important habitats for wildlife including pollinators, bats and moths.’
‘We’re aiming to plant four million blossom trees in appropriate places in or close to urban areas and the countryside as part of our commitment to planting and establishing 20 million trees by 2030 to ensure we are creating a blossom legacy that can hopefully provide joy for future generations.’
