100 new cherry trees for parks as Wales' relations with Japan "blossom"
Two Swansea parks will share cherry tree gifts
Visitors to two Swansea parks are enjoying the spectacular sight of 100 new cherry blossom trees.
They are gifts to the city from a project linked with the 2019-20 Japan-UK Seasons of Culture which is being celebrated both here and in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Half have been planted by Swansea Council tree specialists in Cwmdonkin Park, Uplands; the other 50 have been planted in Jersey Park, St Thomas.
The trees will be particularly attractive when they blossom each spring.
Ceremonies were held at each park to celebrate the initiative. Both took place safely and in line with government guidelines.
Mark Child, Lord Mayor of Swansea, said:
“Swansea is a green city and it’s getting greener. The beautiful new cherry blossoms emphasise that.
“We thank those who run and support the Sakura Cherry Tree Project for their exceptional gift; these trees will provide many years of enjoyment for this and future generations.
“The trees will bloom well into the 22nd century and will offer a legacy of friendship between the UK and Japan.”
Mark Thomas, the council’s cabinet member for environment enhancement and infrastructure management said:
“Our city’s billion pound regeneration programme involves exciting new buildings and also a determination to increase the number of trees and the area’s biodiversity.”
In Japan, businesses are funding the Sakura Cherry Tree Project through the Japan-British Society. Cherry blossom (sakura) is the national flower of Japan.
In the UK, the roll-out of the project is being coordinated by the Japan Matsuri charity.
Keisaku Sandy Sano, Founder and Joint Chairman of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project Team, said:
“The response we have had from all across Wales, has been amazing.
“It is testament to the strong relationship between our countries, and we hope the trees will be a lasting tribute to that. “
The Sakura Cherry Tree Project’s mission is to create a legacy for future generations. It is planting cherry trees in parks and public spaces across the UK.
Trees will be distributed to more than 65 schools and colleges across Wales and to the cities of Cardiff, Bangor, St Asaph, Swansea and Newport.
Photo: Celebrating the planting of new cherry blossom trees at Jersey Park, St Thomas, are, from left: David and Cynthia Lloyd, of the Jersey Park Pavilion and directors of the GSP (Grenfell Park, St Thomas and Port Tennant) Community Regeneration Partnership; Keith Dunn, OBE, Honorary Consul for Japan in Wales; Mark Child, Lord Mayor of Swansea; and Mark Thomas, Swansea Council cabinet member.