NATURE lovers across Worcestershire are being encouraged to share their photos as blossoms bloom across the county this weekend.

The National Trust has launched its first Blossom Watch Day on Saturday April 24 to encourage people to share their photos on social media of this year’s blossom as it blooms across the country.

The charity is creating an interactive map to chart the progress of the blossom by asking people to tag the location of their photos.

With this in mind, people in the county are encouraged to go and visit popular attractions such as the Evesham Blossom Trail, which sees the Vale of Evesham transformed between mid March and mid May along a 45 mile AA signposted route.

Plum and apple blossom are the most common sight along the Blossom Trail.

The white plum and damson blossom are the first to spring with the white pear and the pink apple blossom following later depending on the weather.

A National Trust spokesman said: “As restrictions ease and loved ones can finally start to meet outside, the conservation charity is urging people to use the easing of restrictions to share in one of nature’s most magnificent natural spectacles.

“The recent topsy-turvy weather – with plunging temperatures of up to minus five at night and some areas experiencing snowfall – has given this year’s blossom an uncertain start but it is expected to reach its peak in the coming days and weeks.”

The campaign, which launched in March, has already received more than 5.5 million views, with 32,000 posts on social media including celebrities Lauren Laverne, Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker.

Some 45 MPs have pledged to plant a tree in their constituency this coming autumn to more blossom to urban areas.

Annie Reilly, blossom programme manager at the National Trust, said: “Our blossom campaign has got off to a flying start with more than five and a half million views on social media.

“There has been a lot of research into the connection between enjoying moments in nature and feelings of wellbeing, and with social distancing measures having eased slightly, meeting a handful of family or friends under a blossom tree could be the ideal way to lift spirits and re-connect with people.

For more details visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blossom-watch

How does the blossom look where you are? Send us your photos.