Blossom project takes root in Balsall Heath
Three hundred free blossom trees are making their way to residents, schools, community groups and businesses across Balsall Heath and Sparkbrook as the National Trust project to create a blossom neighbourhood in south Birmingham moves into its planting phase.
As part of the year-long Blossoming Balsall Heath project, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, varieties of apple, pear, plum and cherry trees are now being delivered and planted in large pots, gardens and community spaces in preparation for blossom to bloom this spring.
Blossoming Balsall Heath launched in April when the conservation charity opened the Blossom Branch on Ladypool Road - a temporary project hub dedicated to celebrating and sharing the joy of blossom and nature through a programme of activities and workshops created in collaboration with the local community.
Katy Wade, National Trust Project Manager for Blossoming Balsall Heath, said: “We’re so pleased to be at the tree-planting stage of our project as this is what we’ve been working towards – for people in the community to share the tangible joy of putting roots in the ground -or large pots - and seeing the trees grow and bloom. The legacy of the project is trees that will benefit people and nature for decades to come.”
Spark Green Park is one of the community spaces receiving blossom trees from the project. Sadia Khan, Vice Chair of Friends of Spark Green Park, explained why they applied for the trees.
“Our park was lacking colourful blossom in the spring, and we also wanted to introduce more trees to benefit wildlife. We’ve chosen a selection of 12 fruit trees, including celeste cherry, apple, pear and plum, so we can grow and harvest our own fruit. Our aim is to get the community involved so we can all reap the rewards when the fruit picking season arrives.”
Sadia added: “We were inspired by the beauty of the Japanese blossom festival, Hanami, when the cherry blossom flowers come into bloom and it's a time to celebrate the beauty of spring in art and poetry. It's a beautiful idea and it's the colourful boost we all need to help our mental health and move away from the grey concrete backdrop of the inner city.”
The Blossoming Balsall Heath project is made possible thank to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “I am delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are able to support meaningful projects like Blossoming Balsall Heath. Community focussed initiatives like this bring so much more than natural beauty to neighbourhoods; they create shared spaces for connection, reflection, and joy. It is so important that projects that enhance our green spaces and foster a sense of belonging and pride within communities, continue to receive vital support and attention."