Why London should embrace hanami 🌸
For centuries, Japan has been revering the annual bloom of cherry trees as a symbol of hope, renewal and transience by hosting "hanami", flower watching parties. Families, friends and strangers congregate under white or pink candyfloss-ladden trees to admire and celebrate the beauty and transience of the blossom. People travel from around the world to enjoy hanami and it's a deeply rooted ritual in the Japanese calendar. Parties can go on long into the night. Not only is this seasonal change admired, it is turned into a shared experience.
Meanwhile in London, the National Trust has partnered with the Outnet, a new multivisual space in Tottenham Court Road to put on an immersive screening called "Nature's Confetti" because they want "audiences to feel immersed in nature, to transport them through the beauty and magic of blossom." To be fair, central London is devoid of fruit trees.
I went along today to the just-launched interactive show and, although the images were matched with audio from National Trust gardens, and kids could wave their hands to make blossom confetti move about the screen, it really felt like a 2-D experience, no matter how many surfaces they projected blossom onto. Because you can't touch the rugged bark of the tree. You can't watch the blossom bob in the wind. You can't smell the sweet scent or watch bees land happily. While I applaud the intent of making this seasonal wonder more accessible to the masses, this digital representation of a natural phenomenon feels like it's moving people further away from nature, not closer.
Because the truth is, London is full of blossom. Churchyards, squares and many, many residential streets are home to magnolia, prune and cherry trees, including my own. I've watched people of all ilks stop in their tracks and look up at the cherry tree outside my window. Some have tenderly reached up to touch the blossom, as if checking whether it's real. Others have taken photos to share with friends, family or just for themselves and posterity. Spring fireworks caught on camera. Seeing people's reaction has given me hope that hanami flower-watching parties could become a thing here.
And if you don't have trees blooming on your street, now's the time to head to one of London's many parks to host your own hanami party. Whether you end up in Greenwich to Regent's Park, Notting Hill or the Olympic Park (which has 33 trees in bloom) be quick as the blossom only lasts a few weeks. Check out this blossom-spotting guide to find somewhere near you. Or why not join this cycle round South-London to spot elm trees in blossom. 🌸
Other April activities to reconnect to nature and celebrate Earth Day
🧠 Learn about the neuroscience of climate change
Author, journalist and neuroscientist Clayton Aldern will share findings in this free talk on 23 April at the RSA from his book The Weight of Nature on how our minds, bodies and brains are affected by climate change. Likely to be disturbing but enlightening.
🦔 Spot wildlife in Hackney's marshes
On Sunday 14 April, join entomologist Russell Miller on a two-hour stroll to identify species in the marshes, including bees, butterflies and traces of hedgehog.
🦋 Craft a pollinator habitat
Bees and butterflies need shelter to survive, which can be a challenge in urban environments. Take part in this hands on workshop on 10 April to make your own micro-home for pollinators and contribute to a larger scale one for Brixton Orchard. An alternative date night activity!
🌍 Attend EarthFest in King's Cross
Showcasing all things sustainable living, from electric vehicles to a slow fashion swap-shop, EarthFest on 18-21 April in King's Cross will also include climate innovation talks from EarthShot prize nominees, family-fun at the British Library, and wildlife workshops at Camley Street Natural Park.
🐝 Make your own seed bombs
Bees need pollen and a surprising amount of flowers are not suitable. Join this free workshop on 21 April in Crystal Palace Park to make your own pollinator seed bombs and turn your garden, or unloved patches of London, into wildflower havens. A similar activity is happening at the Walthamstow Wetlands.
🚲 Cycle through the city in your vintage best
Join fashionably eccentric cyclists for a leisurely ride past some of London's iconic landmarks on Saturday 27 April, and end up partying in style. Tickets are now on sale! I've wanted to go to this for years but I'm performing in a pantomime of Alice in Wonderland that day (come along!).
🫛 Go urban foraging
Rediscover your gatherer skills on a foraging walk in North, East and South London and in Dorset and Hampshire with Forage London & Beyond. Find, taste and learn all about edible common plants- such as hogweed, wild garlic, and magnolia blossom - and their health benefits. A great gift for someone.
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