National Trust launches #blossomwatch to banish lockdown blues

UK heritage group builds on a rising interest in nature to help lift people’s spirits

• 

  Botanical horticulturalist Richard Moore works on the Scilla Mischtschenkoana blooms in the rock garden at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London. Getty Images

• 

  Spring flowers on a tree at Kew Gardens in London. Getty Images

• 

  Staff member Katie Kingett hand pollinates a peach tree at Heligan Gardens in St Austell. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are currently open three days a week to local pass holders. Getty Images

• 

  A member of staff mows the borders in front of the palm house at Kew Gardens. Getty Images

• 

  Visitors walking past crocuses in bloom at Kew Gardens. Getty Images

• 

  A 100-year-old magnolia campbellii at Heligan Gardens begins to bloom. Getty Images

• 

  A visitor takes photographs of a rhododendron in bloom at Heligan Gardens. Getty Images

• 

  Daffodils in bloom in front of the Palm House at Kew Gardens. Getty Images

• 

  Two gardeners at Heligan Gardens take a break amongst the spring daffodils. Getty Images

Coronavirus lockdowns are helping people connect with nature and the changing seasons, the UK's National Trust said.
The organisation has started a "blossom watch" campaign to mark the onset of spring and encourage people to appreciate the nature on their doorstep.
Spring blossoms in places such as Japan and Washington attract global attention, while the US states of New England are known for their colourful autumn foliage.
The National Trust hopes to build on a rising interest sparked by a nation in a cycle of lockdowns to transform the UK's blossom season into an annual tradition akin to Japan's Hanami celebration.
The heritage group is asking people to share images of trees and flowers using the hashtag #blossomwatch on social media, and is launching a blossom map to record the images.

"Blossom watching is a simple pleasure that can help lift our spirits over the next few months," said Simon Toomer, plant conservation specialist at the National Trust.
"It can be seen on city streets, in gardens, public parks, throughout the countryside and even out of the window, for some lucky people.
"Our recent poll revealed a massive boost in people's everyday connection with nature since lockdowns began.

“And that blossom is the aspect of nature adults are most likely to stop and notice, after the sight of a sunset, the feeling of sun on your face and birdsong.”

In a YouGov poll commissioned by the National Trust, 65 per cent of people said observing nature from their window had helped their mood, while 47 per cent said they were spending more time in nature and want to continue doing so.

It showed 67 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that engaging with the natural world made them feel happier during the current lockdown.
In addition, 36 per cent of adults said they were more aware of the changing seasons compared to the first lockdown, which started this time last year.
Research by the University of Derby and the National Trust found that engaging with nature could improve people's well-being.
The university's Prof Miles Richardson said connecting with the natural world "through simple activities like smelling wildflowers consistently emerged as being the significant and prominent factors in explaining mental health and well-being".

“Therefore, spending a few moments looking at and enjoying blossom can have a surprising impact on feelings of well-being,” he said.