Bruntwood Park in Stockport, Greater Manchester is home to 99 new cherry trees, part of a UK initiative celebrating Japan’s relationship with the UK
The planting was supported by the City of Trees and Stockport Council, with the new flowering trees taking root last month.
The trees are part of the 6,500 Japanese cherry trees – or sakura in Japanese – that Japan received from Britain and planted in parks, gardens and schools across the country.
The project will be a legacy of the 2019-2021 culture season between Japan and the UK, which aims to showcase Japan’s diverse attractions in the UK. The season is an opportunity to learn more about Japan, its culture and people through hundreds of arts, sports, cuisine and performance events.
Bruntwood Park is located in the Cheadle area of Stockport and is home to ornamental gardens, ponds, streams, wetlands, lawns and mature forests.
Pam Smith, Executive Director of Stockport Council, said, “This is a fantastic project that not only celebrates the relationship we have with the Japanese people, but also leaves the legacy of some wonderful trees that the people of Stockport will enjoy for years to come get. It also supports the great work I am involved in as part of my membership in the Japan Steering Group. “
Pete Stringer of City of Trees commented; “These beautiful flowering trees will usher in the onset of spring every year and bring joy to the locals, while being a haven for wildlife all year round.”
The sakura cherry trees have been distributed to over 400 schools and 160 locations in all four of the UK’s countries, from St Ives to Aberdeen to Londonderry, Cardiff and several of London’s largest parks.
The project officially kicked off with a planting ceremony at The Regent’s Park, attended by HRH, the Duke of Gloucester, Japanese Ambassador Yasumasa Nagamine, the joint chair of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project Keisaku Sandy Sano and local school children.
All cherry tree varieties to be planted as part of this project are of Japanese origin. The vast majority will consist of three varieties, “Beni-Yutaka”, “Taihaku” and “Somei-Yoshino”, chosen for their variation in color, timing and historical significance. For example, ‘Taihaku’ is a large, single white flower variety that died out in Japan but was reintroduced to its homeland in 1932 by Britain’s Collingwood ‘Cherry’ Ingram.
Yasumasa Nagamine, Japan’s Ambassador to the UK, said: “We hope that people across the UK will take this opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and contribute to a lasting legacy.
However, the Sakura Cherry Tree Project will not only showcase the lasting impact of the Japanese-British cultural season, but will also celebrate the warm relationships between Japan and the UK more intensely. Just like our relationship, these trees will get stronger as they mature. Every year when they bloom I hope they bring joy to people across Britain and remind them of the deep friendship between our two nations and peoples. “
As part of this initiative, and in celebration of the blossoming, City of Trees is encouraging people to share their blossom photos on social media using the hashtag #GMBlossomWatch.
