What the campaign is 

The campaign celebrates the short spring period when trees such as cherry, apple, plum and blackthorn blossom. It invites people to get outside, enjoy the blossoms and share their experiences.  

It began in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown as a social media initiative called #BlossomWatch, encouraging people to post photos of blossom they saw in their neighbourhoods.  

Main aims of the campaign 

The campaign has several environmental and social goals: 

1. Reconnect people with nature 

The Trust encourages people to take time outdoors, for example through the "Big Blooming Break", which invites people to pause and enjoy blossom during their day.  

2. Celebrate seasonal natural events 

Research by the National Trust found that very few people regularly celebrate natural seasonal events like the arrival of spring, which inspired the campaign.  

3. Support biodiversity and tree planting 

Blossom trees provide: 

• food for pollinators like bees 

• habitats for wildlife 

• traditional orchards and hedgerows 

The Trust is working toward planting millions of blossoming trees by 2030 as part of wider nature restoration efforts.  

4. Encourage community participation 

Activities often include: 

• blossom walks 

• art, poetry and cultural events 

• urban blossom festivals 

• social media campaigns (#BlossomWatch) 

• community tree planting 

There are typically hundreds of blossom-themed events across the UK between March and May.  

Why Blossom is important 

Blossom is used as a symbol because it: 

• marks the arrival of spring 

• is short-lived, encouraging people to pause and appreciate nature 

• supports pollinators and biodiversity 

• connects cultural traditions like the Japanese practice of hanami (flower viewing). 

Transport options

Go Smarter, Go Active

Go Smarter, Go Active is a campaign dedicated to getting more people across the North East to walk, wheel or cycle to make everyday journeys.

Go Smarter, Go Active

Useful links

North East Festival of Blossom map

Click on the map to find out where you can see beautiful blossom in our region or get involved in the North East Festival of Blossom.

Click here

Go Jauntly

Your walking app for everyday adventures

Click here (opens new window)

Woodlands Trust - Nature Detectives activities for children

Nature Detectives have some brilliant resources and activity ideas. Click on the link below to find out more.

Nature Detectives

Beat the Street - Hendon and Grangetown

Beat the Street is a real-life walking and cycling game played outdoors in your local community.

Click here for more information (PDF, 1 MB) 

Blossom Planner

Open to view events (PDF, 56 KB)(opens new window)

Photography Competition - Blossom through a Wearside lens 

Blossom Through a Wearside Lens invites residents of all ages to capture the beauty, colour and inspiration of blossom across Sunderland. From street trees and pocket parks to gardens, wild corners and unexpected places, we want to celebrate how nature helps our communities thrive.

This competition is part of the wider National Trust Blossom initiative supported by Sunderland City Council, encouraging people to connect with nature, enjoy local green spaces, and celebrate the role of trees in creating a greener, healthier city.

Photographs should reflect:

• blossom in any form (tree blossom, wildflower bloom, garden flowers, or natural growth)
• the unique identity of Sunderland and its neighbourhoods
• creativity, emotion, and connection to place

You don't need a professional camera—smartphones are welcome.

Competition Categories

Ages 10-17

For young photographers who want to showcase their creativity, curiosity, and perspective on nature in the city.

Ages 18+

Open to adults of all experience levels, from casual snappers to seasoned photographers.

How to Enter

1. Take a photograph that reflects the competition theme.
2. Choose the correct age category.
3. Submit your entry via [email protected]
4. Include:
   • Your name
   • Age category
   • Contact details
   • Title of your photograph
   • A short description (up to 50 words) of what the image means to you and why you want to submit it.
   • Location of your photo.

Entries open: 6^th April 2026
Deadline: 31^st May 2026

Entry Rules

• Entrants must live, study, or work in Sunderland.
• Each person may submit one photograph.
• Photographs must be taken within Sunderland.
• Images must be the entrant's own work and taken in 2026.
• Minimal editing is allowed (brightness/contrast/cropping), but heavy digital manipulation is not permitted.
• If people appear in your photo, you must have their permission.
• Parents/guardians must approve entries submitted by participants aged 10-17. 

Judging Criteria

A panel of judges will score entries based on:

1. Creativity & Originality

A fresh, interesting or unexpected way of capturing blossom.

2. Connection to Sunderland

A sense of local identity, place or community.

3. Interpretation of the Theme

How well the image reflects "the beauty of nature in Sunderland."

4. Technical Quality

Clarity, composition, focus and overall impact.

Prizes

10-17 Category

• 1st Prize: The winning entry will be printed and displayed in Mowbray Community Garden and the National Trust Washington Old Hall
• 2^nd & 3^rd Prize will be displayed at the National Trust Washington Old Hall

18+ Category

·       1st Prize: The winning entry will be printed and displayed in Mowbray Community Garden and the National Trust Washington Old Hall

• 2^nd & 3^rd prize will be displayed at the National Trust Washington Old Hall

All shortlisted entries will be:

• featured on Sunderland City Council's social media
• included in an online "Blossom Through a Wearside Lens" gallery

Winners Announced

Winners will be announced on 15 June 2026 via:

• Sunderland City Council channels
• Email to the shortlisted entrants
• Event display 27 June 2026 

Safeguarding & Permissions

• Parental/guardian consent is required for all entries from participants aged 10-17.
• The Council may use submitted images in promotional materials related to the Blossom programme (with credit)

Contact

For questions or support: [email protected]