New 'Blossom' programme encourages Sunderland to get outdoors this spring
Sunderland City Council is launching its first local Blossom programme, part of the National Trust's longstanding national Blossom initiative that encourages people to get outside and enjoy nature as spring arrives.
Blossom officially launches in Sunderland on Monday 6 April with a range of family‑friendly activities and chances to learn more about local parks and green spaces.
Residents can also take part in a blossom photography competition, which opens on Monday 6 April, by sharing photos of their favourite blossom trees. Winning images will be displayed at Washington Old Hall which is a National Trust Site. The programme will also invite community groups, schools and residents to crochet, knit and embroider wool and felt blossoms to yarn bomb community gardens across the city. On Earth Day on 22 April there will be free blossom making sessions in the Mowbray Park Community Garden so keen crafters can learn some new skills.
There will be stories and craft sessions for children, plus outdoor yoga and meditation for anyone wanting to enjoy gentle exercise in nature. Guided walks will take place at sites including Hetton Lyons and Elemore Country Parks.
Councillor Lindsey Leonard, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Net Zero and Transport at Sunderland City Council said: "Blossom is about creating more opportunities for our communities to enjoy their local green spaces. It supports our work to make Sunderland a greener, healthier and more environmentally resilient city. We're proud to bring this National Trust programme to residents and encourage more people to enjoy being outdoors."
Blossom is designed to help residents, schools and local groups celebrate the changing seasons and spend more time in green spaces across the city.
Working with local partners, the annual programme of activity will include simple, enjoyable activities such as local walks, outdoor meditation, sustainable arts and crafts, a photography competition and nature‑based wellbeing sessions. The aim is to help people of all ages explore nature close to home.
Residents and organisations across Sunderland are invited to get involved and help the city "blossom" into a greener, more sustainable place. People can also share their views on how to support nature locally by completing the Connecting Through Nature survey: https://sunderlandcitycouncil.info/nature
More information and the full programme of events (available from mid/late March) can be found on the Connecting Through Nature website: Connecting Through Nature - MySunderland
