Grange Paddocks Set To Bloom In Spring

Published
Image
Cllr David Snowdon; Julie Marson MP and Cllr Graham McAndrew pictured at Grange Paddocks planting the first Sakura cherry tree
A special ceremony was held at Grange Paddocks – East Herts' new leisure centre in Bishop’s Stortford – on Saturday, to commemorate the planting of five cherry trees donated by the Sakura project, which celebrates relations between Japan and the UK.

6,500 Japanese cherry trees are being distributed UK wide to schools, Royal Parks and public spaces; and by spring they will be in full bloom for all to enjoy.   

Julie Marson MP, who formally accepted the donations at Grange Paddocks alongside Cllr Graham McAndrew and Cllr David Snowdon of East Herts Council, said:

“I am honoured to formally accept these Sakura Cherry Trees and thrilled that Grange Paddocks, here in Bishop’s Stortford, was chosen as one of over 460 sites across the country where these commemorative trees would be planted to symbolise and celebrate our relations with Japan.

“A further 25 trees have been allocated across the towns and parishes of my constituency, and I’m delighted that Sakura, which is Japanese for cherry blossom, will bring enjoyment to the community and contribute to the environment for many years to come.”

Speaking on behalf of East Herts Council, Executive Member for Environmental Sustainability, Cllr Graham McAndrew said:

“We are thrilled that so many locations across East Herts have been chosen to receive these commemorative trees; and I’m delighted to join Julie Marson MP and my colleague Cllr David Snowdon today to mark their official planting into UK soil.   

“Grange Paddocks sits in the heart of the Bishop’s Stortford community. By planting these trees for the Sakura project, we’re also acknowledging relations with our global community; and how we can all unite through enjoying and contributing to our natural environment.”

Full details on the Sakura Cherry Tree Project can be found at www.japanuksakura.org

 -ENDS-