Hackney welcomes over 100 cherry trees gifted by people of Japan

Hackney parks will have 101 new Japanese cherry trees abloom this spring thanks to a donation from Japan.

The trees are from three cherry varieties: ‘Beni-yutaka’, ‘Tai-haku’, and ‘Somei-yoshino’, which have been chosen for their variation in colour, timing, and historical significance. For example, ‘Tai-haku’ is a large, single white blossom variety, which became extinct in Japan but was reintroduced to its homeland by Britain’s Collingwood ‘Cherry’ Ingram in 1932. 

In Springfield Park, the trees have been planted close to the River Lea, with the trees in Daubeney Fields planted around the path at the northern end of the park.

Russell Miller of the Tree Musketeers, which worked with Town Hall staff to embed the new residents, said: “It was a pleasure to join the incredible Tree Musketeers team and Hackney Council staff in helping to plant the trees and, on behalf of Hackney, I’d like to thank the people of Japan for their wonderful donation.

“Planting the cherry trees was very exciting because I know how beautiful they are when in blossom. We were able to plant all 101 trees in only eight days thanks to dedicated Tree Musketeer volunteers and fantastic support from Hackney Council. We have had great feedback via social media indicating that the trees are already offering hope to many in need of some positive news.”

Mayor Philip Glanville said: “Cherry trees are an iconic part of Japanese culture, symbolising spring, hope, beauty and new life. At such a hard time for us all, I hope the new trees in Springfield Park and Daubeney Fields will bring hope to people in Hackney as they start to blossom this year.”  

The trees are part of a donation planted across the country in parks, gardens and schools to celebrate Japan’s relationship with the UK.