KCC looks after thousands of trees across the county’s highways and public spaces, ensuring they remain healthy, safe and thriving. Among them are the cherry trees that brighten towns such as Margate and Westgate-on-Sea each spring, and whose story reaches far beyond the county’s borders.
Kent can take pride in both its quiet role in shaping an international horticultural legacy, and in helping it to continue to flourish.
Roots that reach around the world
Westgate‑on‑Sea has a unique place in the history of Japanese flowering cherries.
In the late 19th century, Algernon Mitford - diplomat, passionate gardener and grandfather of the famous Mitford sisters - lived on Sea Road in Westgate-on-Sea.
Having travelled extensively in Japan in the 1860s, Mitford developed a deep appreciation for Japanese gardens and is believed to have brought some of the earliest Japanese cherry trees to England.
Mitford later inherited the Batsford Estate in Gloucestershire, which today holds the National Collection of Japanese Flowering Cherries, featuring around 115 different varieties.
That nationally significant collection can trace its roots, quite literally, back to Kent.
Westgate‑on‑Sea was also once home to Collingwood ‘Cherry’ Ingram, later renowned for helping reintroduce lost cherry varieties to Japan - another reminder of Kent’s enduring horticultural influence.
“Trees like these are an important part of Kent’s character and its history.”
Peter Osborne, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “It has been fascinating to learn more about the history of cherry blossom in Westgate‑on‑Sea. Trees like these are an important part of Kent’s character and its history.
‘Our role is to care for them so they remain healthy and continue to protect the stories and heritage that have grown here over generations. I am proud of the KCC highways team, whose work helps safeguard a living legacy that reaches far beyond Kent.”
The Kanzan cherry trees are in full bloom in Westgate-on-Sea.
KCC’s soft landscapes team works year‑round to inspect, manage and protect roadside and urban trees. This work not only ensures public safety and protects biodiversity, but also helps sustain the historic character of local areas such as Westgate‑on‑Sea.
As cherry blossoms once again mark the arrival of spring, Kent can take pride in both its quiet role in shaping an international horticultural legacy, and in the work being done today to ensure that this living heritage continues to flourish.
To find out more about how KCC looks after trees, visit: Trees near roads and pavements - Kent County Council
