Cherry Trees have been planted in Evesham’s Abbey Park as a sign of friendship from the people of Japan and to mark Wychavon’s 50th anniversary.
Cllr Robert Raphael, Chairman of Wychavon District Council and Mid-Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston, helped plant four trees on Friday (26 January) near to the kiosk area of the park.
In total 60 cherry trees will be planted in parks and open spaces across the district over the next two years, including at The Valley near Evesham.
The idea to donate the trees followed a visit to the district last year by the Japanese Ambassador to help launch The Valley’s Blossom River Cruise to support Wychavon’s blossom trail.
Japan is famous for its cherry blossom and has a project to plant 6,500 cherry trees across the UK as a lasting symbol of friendship between the two countries.
Wychavon was a natural choice to take part in the project, as the district boasts the best display of blossom in the world outside of Japan and America.
Three varieties of cherry tree are being planted, with each one chosen for their symbolic significance. The Beni Yutaka is a double flower with a pink blossom that was exported to the UK as a sign of goodwill by the breeder. The Somei Yoshino is a single pale pink flower and the most popular cherry blossom in Japan, while the Tai Haku is a single white flower and was extinct in Japan before being reintroduced into the country by British plant collector Collingwood Ingram in 1932.
Another 24 cherry trees are due to arrive in November this year to mark the end of Wychavon’s 50th anniversary celebrations, with the final batch being delivered the following November.
Cllr Robert Raphael, Chairman of Wychavon District Council, said: “Planting these trees is a wonderful way to not only mark the friendship between our two countries but also the love of blossom Wychavon and Japan shares.
“It is even more special we have been able to do this in our 50th anniversary year and in time these trees will create an amazing spectacle every April and another reason for visiting our beautiful district.”
Nigel Huddleston, MP for Mid-Worcestershire, said: "The cherry trees planted not only add to the beauty of Abbey Park in Evesham, but will provide a lasting legacy of two cultures coming together over their shared love of blossom. I extend my thanks to the Sakura Cherry Tree project and the Japanese people for this wonderful gift."
