MORE than 50 cherry trees have been planted across the Royal Borough to mark the UK’s friendship with Japan.

These gorgeous trees were planted in Alexandra Gardens in Windsor, Sutherland Grange, Sawyer’s Close and the Braywick Leisure Centre.

This scheme is part of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project, which was launched in November 2019, and will see some 6,500 trees planted across the UK’s parks, gardens, and schools.

The latest addition was planted in Alexandra Gardens by councillor Donna Stimson, cabinet member for climate change, sustainability, parks and countryside, with the help of Alastair Brooker, managing director of ANB Groundcare.

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Cllr Stimson said: “It was an honour to plant the latest of several trees that were gifted to the Royal Borough under the Sakura Cherry Tree Project to commemorate the long-standing friendship between the people of the UK and Japan.

“These trees will live on for future generations to enjoy, provide a shaded area on a warm summer’s day and make our beautiful parks and open spaces even more attractive.

Japanese cherry tree

Japanese cherry tree

“One of the actions in our recently adopted Environment and Climate Strategy is to increase tree cover in the borough and being gifted these stunning cherry trees is a step towards that.”

The tree planted in Alexandra Gardens is the Beni Yutaka variety which has a bright pink blossom, flowering in early April.

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The council’s parks and countryside team will ensure that arrangements are in place for the trees to be maintained and watered regularly as they grow.

The trees have been funded entirely by Japanese businesses and individuals.