Recently published research shows historical importance of blossom
New research published by the National Trust reveals the significance of historic blossom in all its different guises in influencing the street and place names that still exist today.
Teams analysed modern and historic maps before matching results to the orchards research project which was undertaken by the Trust in 2022. The study was produced with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
The new research, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, has been able to paint a picture of blossom over time across more than 90% of England and 30% of Wales.
The detailed analysis of place names found that the number of place names associated with blossom has doubled from 3% in 1900 compared to 6% in 2023. The increase is despite the loss of blossom from the landscape.
The pattern was reflected broadly when comparing place names in cities and rural locations.
One of the strongest correlations observed was the link between declining areas of traditional orchards and increases in place names associated with blossom.
Across all counties surveyed, the majority saw an increase in blossom-related place names alongside a decline in the presence of traditional orchards. The same findings were reflected in city areas.
Past century sees blossom disappear from landscapes
‘Over the last century, blossom has been disappearing from our landscapes,’ says Professor Matthew Heard, Head of Environmental Research & Data at the National Trust.
‘Since 1900, half of our traditional orchards – and their blossoming trees – have been lost across England and Wales. But despite this, we clearly haven’t lost our connection to them – their memory is something we seem to want to keep alive.’
‘How many of us know of an Orchard Close, or a Chestnut Avenue in our towns and cities? Place names can point to our values, beliefs and shared stories – they help us navigate cultural memory as much as they do the landscape itself.’
‘They can also provide us with clues about the changing nature of the world around us.’
The Orchard in April at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent. Courtesy of National Trust Images / Andrew Butler.
‘What’s especially interesting is that 52% of current place names with the word ‘orchard’ in them are within 500 metres of an orchard that has been lost since 1900, but are more than 500 metres from an existing one.’
‘In other words, these names are acting as ‘fossil blossom’ – they are like imprints of the past.’
‘This ‘fossil blossom’ is an important part of our cultural memory – and might point the way for action to bring back blossom.’
When digging deeper into the more regional and country variations of place names in 1900 compared to today, there appears to be a dilution in the more individual characteristics of certain types of blossom across the regions.
Perceived importance of historic blossom sites
‘It’s possible that the proliferation of more generic orchard related terms in current place names reflects a combination of the perceived importance of historic blossom sites, and simultaneously a loss of local history and character,’ says Tom Dommett, Head of Historic Environment at the National Trust.
Looking particularly at Wales, there are far fewer Welsh language names today. In 1900 Welsh language ‘blossom-related’ place names accounted for three quarters (74%) of all blossom-related terms and just under 2% of all place names in the country.
By contrast in 2023, Welsh language ‘blossom-related’ terms place names made up less than a third (31%) of all ‘blossom-related’ terms, and only 1% of place names.
‘The results in Wales resonate with ongoing concerns by campaigners that Welsh place names are being lost with our research revealing a halving of Welsh blossom-related place names between 1900 and 2023,’ explains Tom.
‘As part of this year’s Blossom Week celebrations we want to encourage more people to just start to notice and consider the places names that surround them and how these names could be rooted into the cultural history of the area,’ says Annie Reilly, Programme Manager for the National Trust.
Bringing back blossom to the cities
‘Through our Blossom programme, our aim to bring blossom back to as many cities as possible through various projects including the blossom gardens in London, Plymouth, Newcastle and Nottingham.’
‘We’re aiming to incorporate four million blossom trees as part of our ambitions to plant and establish 20 million trees across England, Wales and Northern Ireland by 2030.’
‘Where we can, we want these plantings to reflect the cultural history of the area through the use of traditional varieties, helping the connection between people, blossom and place to endure, as well as benefitting nature.’
‘As well as bringing blossom back to urban areas this research will be helpful in those places where we might want to emphasise the connection more strongly – but in a way that suits the particular needs of the site today.’
‘For example, we have a woodland site at Dunham Massey which is going to be planted with blossoming trees such as blackthorn, hawthorne and crab apples to reflect that it was once an orchard.’
‘Our players have raised more than £6.5 million, helping to support the invaluable work of the National Trust,’ says Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery.
‘I hope lots of people get involved in the many events taking place over Blossom Week, to help them connect with nature and mark the arrival of spring.’
The charity has previously run a campaign to celebrate spring blossom by asking people to share their snaps of nature’s stunning displays with the hashtag of #BlossomWatch
