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Bringing more blossom to Balsall Heath, Birmingham 

The front of the Blossom Branch in Balsall Heath
The Blossom Branch in Balsall Heath, Birmingham | © National Trust / Shaun Fellows

The new National Trust Blossom Branch in Birmingham is part of the Blossoming Balsall Heath project where, together with the local community, we will be planting 300 blossoming trees in the area this winter. The Blossom Branch is a space for local families and community groups to come together to learn about blossom, take part in nature themed activities and help shape the project’s tree planting ambitions. The Blossom Branch will be in operation until December, when the lasting-legacy of blossom tree planting will begin.

Creating a blossom neighbourhood

Blossom has the power to lift our spirits. After the dark days of winter, the emergence of its beautiful pink and white petals signifies new beginnings and brighter days ahead. It’s also a very important part of our ecosystem, helping pollinators to bring new life and, through the leaves of the trees, capturing carbon and cleaning the air that we breathe.

We need more blossom trees in our towns and cities, and in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, we’re extremely pleased to be working with the community to create a blossom neighbourhood.

There are already inspiring individuals and groups doing great nature-based work in Balsall Heath and our aim is to bring blossom to the nature party. Together we can create something special so our communities, and nature, can thrive for generations to come.

The Blossom Branch

The communities of Balsall Heath are at the heart of this project and with their guidance the aim is to plant 300 blossoming trees in the area this winter.

As a first step, we have opened the Blossom Branch, a place where people in the area can drop-in to find out more about the project and come together to think and learn about the power of nature. Over the coming months, we’ll be teaming-up with residents, schools and local organisations to inspire people, learn about, and connect with, the nature on their doorstep through a programme of free activities, talks and crafts.

Creating the Blossom Branch has already been a great community effort with support from iSE on Ladypool Road, where the branch is based, and design from Birmingham-based, Friction Arts. Local residents have also been involved, helping to make the space welcoming and inspiring.

Children enjoy the new Blossom Branch in Balsall Heath
Children enjoy the new Blossom Branch in Balsall Heath | © National Trust / Shaun Fellows

Address and opening times

The Blossom Branch is located at 249 Ladypool Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 8LF and will be running between now and December, open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays during term time and then switching Sunday for Tuesdays during the school holidays. Full opening days and times can be found below.

School Term (April to July inclusive)

Weds 10:30 to 16:30

Thurs 13:30 to 19:30

Sat 10:30 to 16:30

Sun 10:30 to 16:30

School holidays (April to Oct inclusive)

Tue 10:30 to 14:30

Weds 10:30 to 14:30

Thurs 13:30 to 19:30

Sat 10:30 to 14:30

School Term (Sep to Oct inclusive)

Weds 10:30 to 16:30

Thurs 13:30 to 19:30

Sat 10:30 to 16:30

The Blossoming Balsall Heath project is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Planting blossom in Birmingham, St Phillip's Cathedral Square
Planting blossom in St Phillip's Cathedral Square, Birmingham | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris