Visit The Eden Project in Cornwall
Since the official opening more than 9.5 million people have visited "The Eden Project". Obviously many of these are repeat visitors who come back again and again, not just to see how the Biomes have progressed but to take part in workshops or special events that are undertaken regularly.
The main attractions at The Eden Project are the two "Biomes" - the larger The Humid Tropic Biome and the smaller Warm Temperate Biome.
The Humid Tropics
This biome is the largest conservatory in the world. 240m long, 110m wide and 50m high, it contains over 1000 plant species. To replicate the conditions that these plants experience in their native habitats of Malaysia, West Africa and tropical South America, it's necessary to keep the air warm and damp. Misters and waterfalls maintain the humidity and ground level irrigation keeps the soil damp so it doesn't actually rain! It does get warm though. The temperature is kept between 18°C and 35°C and it gets warmer the higher you go - so be prepared!
The Warm Temperate Biome
Many of us are familiar with the temperate zones of the Mediterranean characterised by hot dry summers and cool wet winters, but other parts of the world, such as California, South Africa, S.W. Australia and Chile have similar climates. The temperate biome replicates this environment, with citrus groves and gnarled cork oaks. Much of the biome is kept dry and dusty so that the plants react as they do in the wild. Sit quietly in a corner and breathe in the scent of the plants. It's cheaper than flying to the Med!
The Core
The Core is Eden's new education centre. It combines an exhibition space, display and education rooms and a café. The Core is a stunning piece of environmentally sustainable architecture incorporating all of the energy and water-saving features you would expect at Eden. The structure is created around shapes found in nature. Nestling in the heart of the building is Seed - a sculpture ion the shape of a sunflower seed created out of a single 70 tonne piece of Cornish granite.
The creators of the Eden Project see the site as far more than a collection of greenhouses: Their mission statement is to "promote the understanding and responsible management of the vital relationship between plants, people and resources". The Core was a big leap forward for the project in realising their overall aim by creating a stunning educational space every bit as impressive as the two biomes.
The Gardens
Much of Eden's planting and biodiversity is viewed outside of the Biomes. The Eden Project has vast landscaped and planted grounds which include various sculptures and educational displays. There are areas within the gardens to sit and enjoy the surroundings or to eat a packed lunch. The stage area and amphitheatre style seating area are to be found in the gardens next to the biomes. This provides a venue for outdoor concerts during the summer and early autumn as well as an ice rink during the festive season.
Eden is now well established as one of the country's leading live music performance venues, as well as a unique environmental project. The project attracts a wide variety of performers throughout the year with the Eden Sessions now an annual festival of live music performances attracting some of the biggest names in music.
The creators of Eden see the site as far more than a collection of greenhouses: Their mission statement is to "promote the understanding and responsible management of the vital relationship between plants, people and resources".
Eden is aiming to become one of the country's leading live music performance venues, as well as a unique environmental project. The project attracts a wide variety of performers throughout the year.
Situated between the existing biomes there are two restaurants. Morocco Red is an "assisted service" restaurant based around the "Brewers Fayre" concept, where you find a table, order at the counter and are then served your meal, and Zzub Zzub, which is a self-service café serving light lunches. Various themed dining nights occur throughout the year in "Morocco Red".
In the visitor centre you will also find "The Gallery" restaurant, which has great views over the Biomes, along with a coffee shop.
For those who wish to take something home with them more tangible than memories, there is "The Eden Shop". Here you will find a wide range of quality and environmentally friendly products - and, of course, a well stocked plant shop.
The information on this site is not in any way endorsed by The Eden Project.