In this project, the National Trust have widened their focus beyond their portfolio of historical properties and protected landscapes to engage with a whole city. Blossom Together in Birmingham is inspired by the orchards and gardens shown on 18^th and 19^th century maps of Birmingham city centre. To coincide with the Commonwealth Games earlier this year, dozens of blossoming trees were installed in key areas of the city centre to connect people with the place’s history and give them an opportunity to experience nature in a very urban environment. Later this year, hundreds of blossom trees will be distributed and planted around the number 11 circular bus route to create a ring of blossom around the city.

Our judges were greatly impressed with the effectiveness of this project, particularly its contribution to community pride, and to nature. One of our European judges commented that making links with communities, nature and transport was very “well done”, summing it up as “Pretty, Simple, and Possible”. They wondered whether this might be the first step in achieving something wider with other transport routes in the city.

image credit: Paul Harris & National Trust