EVERY Spring the cherry blossom display in Japan is a big tourist attraction with peak viewing for central areas between March and April.

And now the arrival of 30 Japanese cherry blossom trees, through the Sakura Cherry Tree Project in Ross-on-Wye, marks a celebration of long-standing friendship between the United Kingdom and Japan.

Launched to commemorate the British diplomatic and cultural ties, the Sakura Cherry Tree Project was initiated following talks between UK and Japanese prime ministers a decade ago.

It was intended that the project be the legacy of the Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-2021.

But rather than a superficial gift, the initiative set out to plant thousands of ornamental trees in public parks, schools and community grounds nationwide.

Once the Season of Culture ended, members of the public would continue to enjoy the thousands of cherry blossom trees planted across the UK as they matured and flourished.

Since 2019, 10,000 trees have been planted all across the UK. All the varieties of cherry trees used for this project are of Japanese origin and are predominantly of three varieties chosen for their variation in colour, timing of flowering and historical significance.

Funded entirely by generous private donations from Japanese businesses and individuals, the project uses horticulture as a living bridge between our two island nations.

Ross has been fortunate enough to be awarded 30 trees which have arrived and are currently being planted by the volunteers of Ross Nature Recovery Group.

The project has been co-ordinated by the Japan-British Society and the Japan Association in the UK. The Japanese arm of the Society organised funding for the project, while the British arm selected sites for planting and procured the trees.

Herefordshire Council is actively committed to expanding tree cover in the urban landscape.

The Herefordshire Local Plan Core Strategy 2011-2031 supports significant tree planting initiatives across council owned land, public parks and highways.

By partnering with local community groups and landowners they are establishing new woodlands and more trees in urban green spaces. The Sakura Cherry Tree Project meets the environmental, social and landscape objectives outlined in the plan.

The young trees distributed through the initiative are cultivated locally in Worcestershire at Frank P Matthews Nursery ensuring they adapt seamlessly to British soil and weather conditions

Ross Nature Recovery Group is a community group of volunteers helping to implement local schemes. The group’s Rob Taylor said: “In a landscape like Herefordshire - where community identity is often tied to orchards, rolling hills and outdoor stewardship - the addition of Japanese flowering cherries brings a striking seasonal rhythm.

“Each spring, the bare branches transform into brilliant pink and white displays, embodying ‘hanami’, the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of blossom.

“For local residents and visitors in and around Ross, these trees will do more than just brighten up public green spaces. They will stand as quiet, growing monuments to international cooperation and friendship.

Herefordshire Council is fully behind the project to expand the coverage of trees in the county and has set a goal of increasing the average tree coverage in the county to 20 per cent by 2041.