Employees are encouraged to take breaks and step outside to observe the fleeting but lovely spring blossom season. According to research by the National Trust, while most people feel better when taking breaks in nature, only one in ten actually do so. The conservation charity believes that rising temperatures in the UK, coinciding with the spring equinox, will mark the beginning of this year’s blossom season and could lead to impressive displays in some areas. This is the sixth iteration of the National Trust’s blossom campaign, where people are encouraged to emulate Japan’s hanami custom. A new YouGov poll for the trust found that 94% of UK adults feel happy when they see blossom on trees and hedgerows. Annie Reilly, the blossom programme manager at the trust, says that the sight of blossom after a grey and stormy winter is a mood-lifter and encourages people to take a break to explore their surroundings for signs of blossom. Colder temperatures last week slowed down the blossom season, but it is expected to speed up now. Pam Smith, the national gardens consultant at the trust, says that orchards are important habitats for wildlife, including pollinators, bats, and moths. New blossom trees have been planted to create habitats for wildlife and people, including new traditional orchards at Killerton in Devon and a “lost” orchard at Lytes Cary Manor in Somerset. Jenny Woodcock, a gardener at Ham House in Richmond, said that apricots and peaches are showing signs of blossom. Ed Atkinson, the head gardener at the Blickling Estate in Norfolk, said that almond blossom has emerged in the orchard and magnolias and various fruit blossom will follow. Amy Ness, an area ranger at Brockhampton in Herefordshire, said that Shropshire prune damson trees are starting to show signs of budding and they expect a good blossom season if the weather continues to be warm, dry, and still.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/20/blossom-break-work-national-trust-spring-warms-uk