The sun shone for the first time in what seemed like months as we visited the glorious Eden Project in Cornwall. And what a project it was - a triumph of imagination, creativity and vision.
The Eden Project stands as a celebration of plants and their importance to our world. It is a place to learn and be inspired by these global gardens and our relationship and dependence on plants. Everywhere you look there is careful attention to perfecting this dream of paradise - from the design of the Biomes, to the choice of habitats to the amazing sculptures. It is an immense project that deserves to be revisited again and again.
It originated in an out-of-use China Clay pit and from this empty void came a creation rich in life with plants, trees and flowers flourishing. When you arrive, you stand at the top of the valley and look down at the Biomes that look like enormous bubble-wrapped sunken globes.
As we zigzag down the valley, there are signs showing us the history of plants and their evolution from 350 million years ago. Some of the earliest plants such as horsetails and ferns grew without flowers and used water to help with fertilisation. They rotted and created coal which we use today. Then flowering plants evolved later and attracted pollinating insects.
We enter the Rainforest Biome described as 'the largest rainforest in captivity' and your first impression is definitely a surprise at how big it is. There are waterfalls and enormous plants and trees. There are even birds and apparently frogs living amongst the huge emerald leaves.
The Biome allows you to appreciate the fundamental ways in which we use and depend on the rainforest for food, fuel, medicine and materials. It reconnects us with the fruits, spices and foods that we are so familiar with in supermarkets and the plants and trees that provide us with these essential products. I spot banana and mango trees and ginger, star fruit and sugar palms. I discover that Cassava is an essential food source for more than 500 million people. As well as being surprised by seeing a 'cola tree' with seeds rich in caffeine, used for fizzy drinks. There is also a cocoa plant used for chocolate, and whose Latin name 'Theobroma cacao' appropriately means 'Food of the Gods'.
Cola acuminata, Sterculiaceae or more simply a 'cola tree' whose seeds are used for cola drinks.
As we wander through the different regions; Malaysia, West Africa, South America and tropical islands we enjoy looking up at the beautiful flowers and fruits.
There are other interesting facts about sustainable harvesting practices such as in South America, Inga trees are used to provide shade for crops and for their ability to 'turn nitrogen from the air into fertilizer' helping growth.
We decide to climb the walkway across the top of the Biome, it reaches a dizzying height and we stare down at the huge plants. It turns very warm almost 40 degrees, so we head down and try a refreshing Baobab smoothie; a fruit from an African tree famous for living several thousand years. I was interested to read that bats also pollinate its white flowers.
This enclosed rainforest is also a reminder of what vital work these trees and plants do in the process of being the lungs of our planet. As well as reminding us how important it is to protect them. A shocking sign said that every ten seconds an area of trees the size of the Biome is cut down.
Although I had thought the rainforest area would be my favourite attraction, the Mediterranean Biome was equally as lovely. Its moderate temperatures brought a range of beautiful gentle plants; Olive trees, pines, strong smelling herbs, lemons. In a short time we were walking through a typical Mediterranean terrain, a South African garden and then a Californian habitat.
There was so much to see that we decided it was time to simply relax and enjoy some delicious mango ice-cream.
My Mum and I enjoying a refreshing treat
It was a perfect place for children to enjoy. There was face painting, storytelling and singing. An entertainer told the children that you don't need any fancy exams to be a scientist, you just need an enquiring mind to ask questions such as 'what happens if...' The children then stood up to bang barrels full of smoke which represented Puffballs (exploding fungi) as raindrops hit the plants helping seed dispersal.
For me, some of the areas that stood out was the sculpture display of Dionysus represented by the huge cow. He was surrounded by dancing figures that related to the myth of wine, intoxication and festivity.
I also enjoyed the bright beautiful flowers that reminded you of all the imported flowers we buy and the question whether we can provide a more sustainable alternative:
After leaving the Biome we enjoyed the Stage where I peered down microscopes and saw how hairy bees are and spotted the intricate patterns of leaves. The Stage was also dedicated to the Freaky Nature Show and showed the many ways plants protect themselves from predators, such as fierce spikes (like the holly and thistle), poison (used by fox gloves), stinging (as nettles do). The Core was even more fascinating as it focused on sustainability. One particular exhibit stood out. It showed a bucket of water and a note saying if this bucket represented all the water in the world, only a teaspoon would be fresh water. A poignant example of how precious our natural resources are.
Eden is an incredible project that educates and inspires. It also reminds me of the hard work that must have been involved in creating such an immense project like this - finding the location, getting the finance, designing then building the Biomes, sourcing all the plants, labelling them, tending to them, getting the right temperature so they will grow and flourish. It must have been a huge effort that so many involved could be proud of.
It certainly has created a desire in me to learn and discover more about the natural world and the importance of protecting the plants and animals that are so vital to us.
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