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Since working at Griffin and being
introduced to the amazing geodesic dome “Pods” at Loveland Farm I have grown
quite fond of these amazing structures. Inside they are so tranquil and
calming, it’s hard not to see why they have become so popular and offer a
futuristic escape from the modern world.
Last Easter, my mum and her partner came
down to visit me in Devon. I had been dying to visit The Eden Project and given
my mums love of plants and gardens this was the perfect opportunity to see the
amazing structures of the Eden domes and the incredible plant life within.
First stop was The Core building, which is
based on the structure of a sunflower. Inside there were plenty of activities
for kids, all centred on climate change and plant resources. Inside the heart
of the Core building was an amazing seed-shaped sculpture created by Peter
Randall-Page. One of the biggest sculptures in history made from a single piece
of rock, the Seed is made out of a single piece of granite, its surface has
been carved with 1,800 nodes in the pattern of a Fibonacci spiral.
We then had a quick wander (trying to avoid
the rain!) through the gardens and into the Rainforest Biome, home to the
world’s largest indoor rainforest. Once inside you really get such an
incredible sense of space, and immediately feel the heat and the humidity of
this incredible environment.
Walking around the four forests replicating
those from Tropical Islands, Southeast Asia, West Africa and Tropical South
America, there was so much to take in! Nestled away are these traditional West
African totems were carved by sculptor El Anatsui out of charred timbers
recycled from a part of nearby Falmouth docks that were destroyed by fire. Their
faces were just too much.
There were so many beautiful plants and flowers
everywhere; you really got a sense of tranquillity and felt as if you were a
million miles away. Between the plants and spread throughout the dome were
reminders of our impact on these fragile eco systems. There was information on
banana production and the chemicals they are treated with, a “Food or Fuel”
sign presenting the possibility for ‘green’ biofuel made from sugar cane juice,
and an exhibition looking at issue of using unsustainable palm oil to name a
few.
You really went away with a true feeling of
how amazing our planet is and the Eden Project does a great job at informing
you of your impact, however big or small it may be. By showing people in such
an interactive and informative, hands-on way. It’s hard not to come away without
thinking about our relationships with plants and how we are over using and
mistreating our precious global resources. The Eden Project is a great example
of helping us to connect in new, interesting ways to bring sustainability into
our daily lives. Definitely worth a visit!
