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Mayors for Peace
Norwich is growing peace - literally. Through a unique international partnership, the city is turning seeds of history into living symbols of hope, resilience, and unity.
Norwich’s commitment to a peaceful future
Norwich is proud to be part of Mayors for Peace, a global movement that brings cities together to promote peace and work towards a world free of nuclear weapons.
Founded in Hiroshima in 1982, the initiative now includes over 7,000 cities across 163 countries - with Norwich standing among 81 UK cities that have pledged their support.
Trees for Peace - a living symbol of hope
As part of our commitment, Norwich City Council received seeds from a Ginkgo tree that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. These remarkable “survivor trees” are a powerful symbol of resilience and peace.
We partnered with Easton College horticulture students to germinate the seeds - giving them a hands-on opportunity to nurture history and hope.
About the Ginkgo Tree
Ginkgo Biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, is a living fossil - dating back over 300 million years.
Native to China, these trees can grow over 100 feet tall and live for centuries.
Their leaves and seeds are used in traditional medicine, and they bear edible fruit.
The seeds gifted to Norwich come from a 200-year-old “mother tree” in Hiroshima’s Shukkeien Garden, just 1,370m from the atomic bomb’s hypocentre.
Discover more
Want to see the project in action? Amy Arthur, a film student at City College Norwich, has created a short film on YouTube capturing the story of the Trees for Peace. Watch the film and learn more here.
Norwich - a city of welcome
From the “strangers” who arrived in the 16th century to those seeking refuge today, Norwich has long been a city that welcomes people from all walks of life. Planting these trees is a continuation of that legacy - an invitation to gather, reflect, and grow peace together.
