Bird cherry, Sheffield, May 2023.

A bird cherry tree branch takes center stage against an expanse of brilliant blue sky.

Deeply rooted in cultural folklore, the bird cherry tree captures the essence of spring's arrival, symbolizing not only the rebirth of the natural world but also the enduring connection between humans and the environment. In medieval Europe, these trees were often planted near homes as a protective measure, believed to ward off malevolent spirits with their blossoms.