Eden Project, Cornwall

The Eden Project is a collection of biomes (giant domed greenhouses), housing plant species from around the world in an environmentaly friendly setting. The project took six years to construct. It is located about 8km from St. Austell, Cornwall, in South West England. It is the brainchild of Tim Smit, the man who 'rediscovered' The Lost Gardens of Heligan. The project is ongoing, and part of its purpose it to see how the different biomes develop over time.

The project is constructed in a disused quarry. Visitors approach along roads to car parks at the top of the quarry and walk or bus to the entrance area, half way down a gently sloping side. The entrance area includes the usual restaurant and gift shop, implemented in a more interesting way than is common. The entrance area also has some informational exhibits, some of which are animated.

Once into the attraction, there is a meandering path with views of the two biomes and of interesting planted landscapes (including, for example, colourful patterned areas which upon inspection prove to be vegetable gardens) and sculptures (for example a giant bee).

At the bottom are the two giant biomes. The larger is for tropical plants and is enormous. Fruiting banana trees, orange trees and giant bamboo. The biome is warm and gets warmer as you approach the higher regions of it. The dome was used in the film Die Another Day. The smaller biome, which will eventually have its content split into a third biome yet to be built, house temperate and arid plants and much sculpture.

All known uses for the plants/trees etc to help people medically are listed by them. This is a serious environmental study to safeguard our planet and prevent mankind destroying benefits provided by nature. Mr Smit states that if the project becomes, or is seen to be, a theme park it has failed.

External Links

Their website can be found at http://www.edenproject.com